Samruddhi Expressway to Connect with Vadhvan Port: CM Fadnavis.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Samruddhi Expressway, connecting Nagpur to Mumbai, will be linked to the under-construction Vadhvan Port in Palghar district via a transit corridor from Igatpuri. “The expressway will connect to the port, which is among the 10 largest globally. The maps have been approved, and work will commence soon. Igatpuri is just 90 km from Vadhvan,” Fadnavis said.

The proposed link is expected to benefit logistics operators along the Samruddhi Expressway. “Businesses serving the domestic market will also be able to export goods directly from here. This will further enhance the state’s contribution to the global supply chain,” he added.

Currently, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is India’s largest port, but Vadhvan is projected to have three times its capacity, the CM said during the groundbreaking event for the expansion of XSIO’s logistics park near the expressway on Saturday.

Fadnavis also provided an update on the Shaktipeeth Project, which will link Vidarbha to Goa. “Joint measurement for 70% of the alignment has been completed. For the remaining 30%, two alternative routes have been identified. A final decision will be made soon, and no major diversions will be needed. The complete joint measurement is expected to conclude shortly,” he said.

Highlighting Nagpur’s growing prominence as an aviation hub, Fadnavis noted, “From a flight landing in Nagpur, one may see 18–20 planes parked for maintenance at MRO depots. This reflects Nagpur emerging as a centre for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. With further airport development, Nagpur could become a hub for both passengers and air cargo.”

On the transfer of Nagpur airport to GMR Group as a private concessionaire, he said that nearly all related issues have been resolved. Emphasizing Nagpur’s strategic location, Fadnavis remarked, “During the British trigonometrical survey, Nagpur was considered the zero mile, as all corners of the country are equidistant from here. This gives it a natural advantage to become the logistics capital of India.”