The Union Cabinet on Wednesday has approved the construction of a new six-lane greenfield corridor linking Nashik, Solapur and Akkalkot in Maharashtra. The project will be built under the BOT (Toll) model and will cover 374 kilometres. The total cost is estimated at ₹19,142 crore, according to the official announcement. 

The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Once completed, the highway will connect key cities in Maharashtra and further link to Kurnool. The new corridor is expected to strengthen road connectivity and support the PM Gati Shakti plan aimed at improving national transport networks.

Key connectivity links

The corridor will connect to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway near the Vadhawan Port interchange, the Agra–Mumbai corridor at Nashik, and the Samruddhi Mahamarg near Pangri. It will also help build a seamless route from the west coast to the east coast. A parallel 700 km, four-lane stretch from Chennai to Hasapur via Kurnool is already underway.

According to the press release, the six-lane highway is designed to increase travel efficiency. Travel time between Nashik and Akkalkot is expected to reduce by around 17 hours, and the distance will shorten by 201 km. This will make movement of goods faster, especially for industries located near NICDC nodes like Kopparthy and Orvakal. It will also support the proposed Pune–Nashik Expressway.

Boost for economy and jobs

Once built, the expressway will allow high-speed traffic with a design speed of 100 km per hour. The government expects it to reduce congestion, cut transport costs, and improve road safety.

The project is also expected to create jobs. Around 2.51 crore man-days of direct employment and 3.13 crore man-days of indirect employment may be generated through construction and related economic activity. It is likely to benefit the districts of Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv and Solapur.

Authorities say better connectivity will help trade, boost logistics and contribute to long-term economic growth in the region.

Widening of Mohana–Koraput section of NH-326 in Odisha

The Union Cabinet also approved the widening and strengthening of the Mohana–Koraput section of NH-326 in Odisha. The project covers 243 km, upgrading the existing two-lane road to a two-lane paved shoulder standard on EPC mode at a cost of Rs 1,526.21 crore. 

The move is expected to improve travel speed, road safety and freight movement across Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput. Better connectivity will support industry, tourism and access to healthcare and education in southern Odisha. The upgraded corridor will link to major highways and ports, offering faster movement of goods and easier access for local communities.