Background and approval
Cabinet Clears 6 Lane Nashik Solapur Akkalkot Greenfield Corridor: The Union Cabinet has approved a 6-lane greenfield access-controlled corridor connecting Nashik, Solapur, and Akkalkot in Maharashtra. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi.
The project involves an investment of ₹19,142 crore and will be developed under the BOT (Toll) model. It forms part of India’s push for integrated, high-capacity transport infrastructure.
Static GK fact: Greenfield projects refer to infrastructure built on previously undeveloped land, allowing better design standards and alignment flexibility.
Key project characteristics
The corridor will have a total length of 374 km and will be fully access-controlled. This design ensures uninterrupted high-speed movement with controlled entry and exit points.
The highway is planned to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and support both passenger and freight traffic. Access-controlled corridors are globally associated with lower accident rates and higher average speeds.
Static GK Tip: Access-controlled highways generally restrict slow-moving traffic and direct crossings, improving operational efficiency.
Connectivity and network integration
The Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot corridor will connect major urban and economic centres including Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, and Akkalkot. It will integrate with strategic national corridors such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg.
The alignment also strengthens links toward southern corridors leading to Kurnool and Chennai Port, creating an effective west coast–east coast connectivity axis. This integration enhances India’s multimodal transport planning.
Static GK fact: The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is India’s longest expressway corridor and a backbone of national freight movement.
Logistics and travel efficiency gains
A major outcome of the project is the expected reduction in travel time by nearly 17 hours, amounting to about 45% time savings. The corridor will also shorten travel distance by 201 km.
These improvements will significantly enhance freight efficiency for industrial clusters supported by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation. Faster movement lowers fuel costs, reduces emissions, and improves supply chain reliability.
Static GK Tip: Logistics efficiency is a key indicator used by India to improve its global trade competitiveness.
Economic and regional development impact
The corridor is expected to drive economic growth across Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts. Improved road access will benefit agriculture markets, manufacturing units, and MSMEs in the region.
The project also complements the proposed Pune–Nashik Expressway, which has been identified as a critical infrastructure requirement for industrial development.
Static GK fact: Maharashtra consistently ranks among India’s top states in industrial output and logistics demand.
Alignment with national infrastructure vision
The corridor is aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated planning across roads, railways, ports, and industrial zones. The project supports seamless mobility and coordinated infrastructure execution.
This approval reflects a shift toward corridor-based development, combining speed, safety, and economic integration.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Cabinet Clears 6 Lane Nashik Solapur Akkalkot Greenfield Corridor:
| Topic | Detail |
| Project name | Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot Greenfield Corridor |
| Length | 374 km |
| Total cost | ₹19,142 crore |
| Lane configuration | 6-lane access-controlled highway |
| Implementation model | BOT (Toll) |
| State covered | Maharashtra |
| Travel impact | 17 hours time saving and 201 km distance reduction |
| National linkage | PM GatiShakti National Master Plan |
