Mumbai-Nagpur E-Way likely to open on May 2
There is a possibility that Devendra Fadnavis and CM Uddhav Thackeray will share the dais
A 210-km-long stretch of the ambitious Samruddhi Mahamarg is likely to be inaugurated on May 2, said a highly placed source to the FPJ. The about-to-be opened stretch, which extends from Nagpur to Shelu Bazaar in Washim, is part of the 520 km expressway running between Nagpur and Shirdi. Targeted to be opened in Phase 1, the work of this stretch couldn’t be completed as the contractor left the work midway.
The source informed that beyond Washim Package 6 contractor has left the work and therefore the adjoining Package 6 contractor APCO has been given the job since he has the manpower for completing the remaining works. Similarly, in the Package 11 heavy bridge work is there, which includes girder launching above Godavari river between Amednagar and Aurangabad. This particular work will also need a 4-5 months time period for
completion.
In fact, 140 kilometres of stretch between Jalna and just one stop before Shirdi is ready. In the high power committee, it was suggested that the vehicles, coming from Nagpur, can travel up to Shelu Bazaar and then take the old existing highway. Again from Jalna, they can come on the expressway and travel for another 140 km. However, the suggestion was later dropped and only the completely ready infra of 210 km will be opened.
The said stretch between Nagpur and Shelu Bazaar will be benefiting those travelling between Nagpur -Washim, Nagpur-Amravati and vice versa. Being an agricultural belt, farmers and stakeholders, who are into agri business, living around these places will have a seamleass road travel once the new road goes public.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation will charge Rs 1.73 per km as toll for car and other light vehicles, which means the toll rate for 210 km stretch will cost nearly Rs 361 for car and other light motor users.
Fadnavis and CM Uddhav may share dais during the inaugural event
The source also said that there is a possibility that Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray will share the dais during the inaugural event. If that happens, it will be a significant political moment when both the friends-turned-foes will come face-to-face.
As Fadnavis was not present during the recent opening of metro lines 2A and 7. Subsequently, a war of words ensued between the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and the BJP. The latter claimed that the Sena was taking credit for the work done under the Devendra Fadnavis administration hence the party boycotted the
inauguration as Fadnavis wasn’t invited.