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Maharashtra's NH-160A Gets Rs 3,320 Crore Upgrade to Boost Connectivity

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a major highway project to upgrade a 154.6 km section of NH-160A in Maharashtra. The project, costing Rs 3,320.38 crore, will create an alternate route for industrial freight, bypassing Nashik city to reduce urban congestion. It is expected to generate significant employment and improve connectivity to key economic and logistics nodes. The upgrade aligns with PM GatiShakti principles and aims to enhance the country's Logistic Performance Index.

Key Points: Cabinet Approves Rs 3,320 Cr NH-160A Upgrade in Maharashtra

  • Rs 3,320 crore project
  • Bypass for Nashik industrial traffic
  • To generate ~45 lakh person-days of employment
  • Connects to Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
2 min read

Cabinet approves upgradation of NH-160A section in Maharashtra for Rs 3,320.38 crore

Cabinet approves Rs 3,320 crore for NH-160A upgrade in Maharashtra, aiming to reduce Nashik congestion and boost economic activity.

"development of existing intermediate-lane carriageway to two-lanes with paved shoulders will facilitate smoother movement - CCEA"

New Delhi, Feb 14

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Ghoti-Trimbak-Jawhar-Manor-Palghar section of NH-160A in Maharashtra, with a total length of 154.635 kms with Rs 3,320.38 crore outlay.

The project is estimated to generate approximately 19.98 lakh person-days of direct employment and 24.86 lakh person-days of indirect employment, besides inducing additional economic activity along the corridor.

The region west of Nashik, particularly around Ambad and Satpur, hosts a dense cluster of industrial units developed by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.

This generates significant freight traffic. At present, this traffic moves through Nashik city via NH-848, adding pressure on urban roads.

According to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), upgradation of NH-160A will provide an alternate route from these industrial areas via Triambak, bypassing the city and reducing congestion.

The traffic from Mumbai (west side) and Southern side is expected to use Samrudhi Expressway through the interchange at Igatpuri on NH-848.

Thereafter, the traffic would travel on NH-848 upto Ghoti and use NH-160A for travel to Trimbak and Nashik. From 2028 onwards, projected daily traffic exceeds 10,000 PCUs, qualifying the corridor for 4-laning, said the CCEA.

The section of NH-160A, extending westward from Trimbak toward Manor and Palghar, connects NH-160A to Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (NE-4), NH-48 and onward to the western coastal belt, as well as tribal areas of Palghar District.

"Though this link at present has 4,500 PCUs traffic, development of existing intermediate-lane carriageway to two-lanes with paved shoulders will facilitate smoother movement of both freight and passenger traffic. Also, the stretch from Manor to Palghar passes through urban built-up sections with traffic of about 12,000 PCUs, upgradation to four-lanes has been proposed for smoother movement in this urban section," said the CCEA in a statement.

It further stated that the project has been proposed in line with the PM GatiShakti principles and will connect 6 PM GatiShakti Economic Nodes, 1 Social Nodes and 8 Logistics Nodes in the State of Maharashtra. This will have a positive impact on the Logistic Performance Index (LPI) of the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 3,320 crore is a huge amount. While infrastructure is needed, I hope there is strict monitoring to ensure the funds are used properly and the project is completed on time without cost overruns. We've seen delays in many such projects before.
V
Vikram M
Connecting to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the coastal belt is a game-changer for Maharashtra's tribal areas in Palghar. This should improve market access for local produce and create new opportunities. Hope the development is inclusive.
S
Sarah B
The focus on GatiShakti nodes and the Logistic Performance Index is smart, long-term planning. Efficient freight movement is key for 'Make in India'. This corridor will reduce logistics costs for industries in the Nashik belt.
R
Rohit P
As someone who travels from Mumbai to Nashik often, this is welcome news! The current route gets terribly congested, especially near Ghoti. A smoother, wider road will cut travel time significantly. Can't wait for 2028!
M
Meera T
Good project, but what about the environmental and social impact? The stretch passes through urban and tribal areas. I hope proper rehabilitation and fair compensation are planned for any land acquisition, and tree cover is maintained.

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