01 January,2026 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis described the project as a major step in improving transport, logistics, and regional economic growth. File Pic
Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the six-lane greenfield Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot Corridor. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis welcoming the move, thanked PM Modi for the decision, reported the IANS.
CM Fadnavis described the project as a major step in improving transport, logistics, and regional economic growth.
In a post on X, CM Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for approving the 374-km corridor at a cost of Rs 19,142 crore.
He said the project, part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, would enhance fast and safe connectivity across the state.
Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of the 374-km-long six-lane access-controlled greenfield Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot highway in Maharashtra. The project will be implemented on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis at a total capital cost of Rs 19,142 crore.
According to an official release, the corridor will connect key cities including Nashik, Ahilyanagar and Solapur, and is aimed at accelerating integrated transport infrastructure development in line with the PM Gati Shakti framework.
Length: 374 km
Type: Six-lane, access-controlled, greenfield highway
Implementation: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model
Design Speed: Up to 100 kmph (average operating speed 60 kmph)
Connectivity: Links Nashik-Ahilyanagar-Solapur-Akkalkot
The corridor will also connect to major highways and expressways, including:
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (Vadhvan Bandar interchange)
Agra-Mumbai Corridor (NH-60, Adegaon, Nashik)
Samruddhi Expressway (Pangri, Nashik)
Work is already underway on a four-lane Chennai-Hasapur route (approx. 700 km). Once integrated with the Nashik-Akkalkot corridor, travel distance will reduce by 201 km and travel time by approximately 17 hours, cutting journey time nearly 45 per cent from 31 hours to 17 hours.
The corridor will also improve logistics efficiency for key industrial nodes, including Kopparthi and Orvakallu, and support the development of the Pune-Nashik Expressway.
Officials estimate the project will generate the following --
Direct employment: 251.06 lakh man-days
Indirect employment: 313.83 lakh man-days
Additional economic activity along the corridor is expected to create further job opportunities.
Regional Impact
The corridor is projected to significantly benefit the districts of Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv and Solapur.
(with IANS inputs)
