‘Mumbai-Nagpur highway set to become the fastest’

This picture has been used for representational purpose

The Nagpur Mumbai Super Communication Expressway project, also known as the Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, is set to become the country's fastest highway, according to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Authorities claim that the project has been designed in a way to avoid disturbing animal activity in the surrounding areas.

According to a press release issued by the MSRDC, about 96 structures will be constructed, including seven overpass bridges, 89 underpasses, box culverts and a few major and minor bridges, to facilitate the passage of wildlife around the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg. To minimise accidents and prevent animals from entering the highway corridor, the MSRDC has prohibited planting of 13 varieties of fruit trees that attract wildlife. The Wildlife Institute of India (WWI) is collaborating for the construction of the Mumbai-Nagpur Highway.

According to the press release, Ekanth Shinde, minister of Urban Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, said, "Our aim is to make travel from Mumbai to Nagpur faster, convenient and seamless. Construction work of the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg is moving swiftly and we are emphasising on minimising environmental destruction. A green and scenic corridor will also be created as part of the project." The places that will be connected by the highway include Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim, Buldhana, Jalna, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Nashik and Thane. Another 14 districts will be linked to the highway via interchanges.

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