Samruddhi Expressway Shines Brighter with Solar Power

The Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, the 701-km expressway connecting Nagpur and Mumbai, is set to become solar-powered as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) partners with a private renewable energy firm to install solar panels along the corridor.

Initial installations have begun at Karjalad in Buldhana and the Mehkar Interchange in Washim district. The project aims to generate 204 MW of solar power—enough to illuminate the expressway and contribute surplus energy to the grid through power purchase agreements.

In Phase 1, 5 MW is already operational—3 MW from Karjalad and 2 MW from Mehkar, which commenced generation this week.

This initiative supports MSRDC’s strategy to diversify revenue beyond toll collection, including solar power sales at ₹3.05 per unit under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) and leasing space along the expressway. Additionally, the project will help MSRDC earn carbon credits, aiding future infrastructure financing and expansion to other interchanges.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.