Mumbai: The final phase of the Nagpur – Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway would be opened on May 1. The authorities are trying to get the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to inaugurate the expressway on the day which marks the formation of the state. The 76-kilometre-long stretch between Igathpuri and Amane in Thane will be opened for the public, making the expressway fully functional. The mega expressway, which is 701 kilometres long, will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur to just eight hours.

Usually, this journey takes at least 18 hours. Vehicles that can accommodate up to eight travellers, including the driver, can accelerate up to 120 kilometres per hour. These vehicles will have to slow down to 100 kilometres per hour when they enter the mountain road. Meanwhile, vehicles which can carry up to nine people have a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour and 80 kilometres per hour on mountain roads. However, goods carriers can only accelerate up to 80 kilometres.

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Two-wheelers and autorickshaws are not allowed on the expressway. Earlier, the expressway was opened in phases in the 635-kilometre stretch. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who inaugurated the first phase, while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde opened the second phase of the expressway.

Toll for 40 years
Approval has been granted to collect toll for 40 years at the Samruddhi Expressway built on a whopping Rs 55,000 crore. Rs 1318 was collected as toll until March 31, 2025. Meanwhile, revised toll rates would be implemented from April onwards. The construction of the expressway began in 2019.

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165 accidents
However, police reports state that 265 people have lost their lives in 165 accidents held on the expressway between 2022, when the first phase was opened, and March this year. Overspeeding, bursting tyres, driver dozing off, and careless driving have been identified as the reasons for the accidents.    

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