New Highway: PM Modi gave a big gift to these states, approved two projects worth Rs 20668 crore

New Highway: While accelerating the pace of infrastructure development in the country, the Modi government at the Center has given a big gift to Maharashtra and Odisha at the end of the year. Two important proposals of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have been approved in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These projects will cost a total of Rs 20,668 crore, which will give a new dimension to connectivity and development in both the states.

The largest share in cabinet decisions has gone to Maharashtra’s account. The government has approved a 6-lane greenfield corridor between Nashik and Solapur. The total cost of this project is Rs 19,142 crore and its length will be 374 kilometers. This corridor will be built from Nashik Phata to Khed via Pune and Ahmednagar.

This greenfield project is special because under it a completely new highway will be developed by acquiring new land. This will reduce the traffic pressure on the existing roads and faster and easier travel will be possible through bypass instead of going inside the cities. At present, people have to face the problem of traffic jams and narrow roads while traveling from Nashik to Solapur, which will be removed to a great extent with the construction of this corridor.

This corridor is also considered very important from economic and religious point of view. Nashik, which is famous for viticulture and religious tourism, will be directly connected to major textile hubs like Solapur. Districts like Ahmednagar and Beed will also benefit from this. The cost of freight transportation will reduce and farmers will find it easier to transport vegetables and fruits to the markets. This corridor will also form an important part of the Surat-Chennai Economic Corridor.

At the same time, while paying special attention to Eastern India, the government has approved the widening and strengthening of National Highway-326 in Odisha. The project will cost Rs 1,526 crore and will be 206 kilometers long. This highway will be developed from Malkangiri to Koraput.

This project is considered very important strategically, because this area has been Naxal affected for a long time. The widening of the road will ease the movement of security forces and will help in connecting the local people with the mainstream of development. Besides, this highway is an important link connecting Odisha with Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which will strengthen trade and social contacts between the three states.