Samruddhi Mahamarg: Mumbai-bound traffic to halt three times a day, Oct 26 to Nov 6

Motorists driving towards Mumbai on the Samruddhi Mahamarg will face short, scheduled stoppages every day for 12 days, starting October 26. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced the phased blocks on the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg. They will remain in force until November 6, 2026.

The restriction covers the Mumbai-bound carriageway between the Bharvir interchange and the Igatpuri interchange. MSRDC says the stoppages are needed so that protective netting can be fitted on hill slopes and at the mouths of tunnels along this section. The corporation has already taken up the work.

According to MSRDC, vehicles heading for Mumbai will be held back completely at three fixed times each day: 10 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 2 pm and 4 pm to 5 pm. Traffic on the lane will be stopped in phases during these windows so that the crew can finish the job safely. Anyone who reaches the stretch during these hours may have to wait for a while.

The expressway runs for about 701 km between Nagpur and Mumbai and is among the most important highways in Maharashtra. A large number of vehicles use it every day. The hilly stretch between Bharvir and Igatpuri is particularly exposed, because rain or natural causes can loosen rocks and open up cracks in the slopes. The risk is greatest near the tunnel entrances and below the hillsides.

The nets are meant to cut that danger. They will stop rocks and small debris that break away from cracks from landing directly on the carriageway. MSRDC describes the improvement of motorists' safety as the main purpose of the exercise, and it chose to act in advance rather than wait for a rockfall.

Private cars, goods vehicles and passenger buses can all be affected. Private motorists, goods transporters and bus operators have been advised to fix their travel timings in advance. The warning matters especially to commuters and transporters who travel from Nagpur to Mumbai. Those heading for Mumbai, Nashik or Thane should leave with some time in hand, so that a delay at the block does not upset the rest of the journey.

MSRDC has appealed to everyone using the expressway, including those starting out from Nagpur, to plan around the block timings and to follow the instructions of the highway administration and the officials on duty. Travellers who use the road for work or long journeys have been asked to keep the changes in mind and, where possible, to schedule their trips before or after the three hourly windows. Motorists leaving for Mumbai should also check the latest traffic situation before they start.

Once the netting is in place, the Bharvir-Igatpuri section is expected to be safer, with a lower risk of falling rocks and debris. The work is therefore seen as important for passenger safety. Until November 6, Mumbai-bound travellers will need to plan their trips with the block hours in mind.