Overview
- The Union Cabinet approved a 374 km, six‑lane, access‑controlled Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot greenfield corridor to be built on BOT (toll) mode at an estimated Rs 19,142 crore.
- Positioned within the PM Gati Shakti plan, the corridor links Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, the Agra–Mumbai corridor and Samruddhi Mahamarg to enable west‑to‑east throughput and onward connectivity toward Kurnool.
- Officials project a reduction of about 201 km in distance and roughly 17 hours in travel time on the cross‑country route, with the corridor designed for closed tolling and high‑speed, safer traffic flow.
- The project is described as among the largest BOT highway investments and is expected to generate about 251.06 lakh man‑days of direct employment and 313.83 lakh man‑days of indirect employment.
- A separate Rs 1,526 crore EPC project will widen and modernise NH‑326 between Mohana and Koraput in Odisha, targeting sub‑standard geometry with a 24‑month build and five‑year maintenance period to improve access to ports, industry and services.