Cabinet Clears 6 Lane Nashik Solapur Akkalkot Greenfield Corridor

The Government of India has taken a major step to strengthen transport infrastructure in Maharashtra. The Union Cabinet has approved a new 6-lane greenfield access-controlled corridor connecting Nashik, Solapur, and Akkalkot. The project aims to improve travel efficiency, logistics, safety, and regional economic growth under the national infrastructure vision.

Why in the News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi has approved the construction of a 374 km long Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot corridor in Maharashtra at a cost of ₹19,142 crore under the BOT (Toll) model to enhance connectivity and logistics efficiency.

Key Features of the Project

• The project involves the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor with a total length of 374 km.
• It will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll mode, allowing private participation.
• The corridor is designed for high-speed and uninterrupted traffic flow, improving road safety and reducing congestion for both passenger and freight vehicles.

Connectivity and Strategic Importance

• The proposed corridor will connect major cities such as Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Solapur and Akkalkot.
• It will link with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, Agra–Mumbai corridor, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and corridors leading towards Kurnool and Chennai port.
• This provides west coast to east coast connectivity, strengthening India’s national transport network.

Benefits for Logistics and Travel Efficiency

• One of the main objectives is to improve travel efficiency.
• The corridor is expected to reduce travel time by nearly 17 hours a reduction of about 45% and shorten travel distance by 201 km.
• This will significantly enhance logistics efficiency for freight movement, especially for industrial nodes under the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC).

Economic and Regional Development Impact

• The project will contribute to the economic growth of Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts.
• Improved connectivity will support industries, trade, and agriculture in these regions.
• The corridor will also support the proposed Pune-Nashik Expressway, identified as a key requirement by NICDC.

Key Data At Glance

Question

Q. The Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot corridor approved by the Cabinet will be developed under which mode?

A. EPC Mode
B. BOT (Annuity) Mode
C. BOT (Toll) Mode
D. HAM Mode