Chennai-Surat Expressway: The Centre has decided to reduce the length of the proposed Chennai-Surat National Expressway under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The six-lane, access-controlled highway, which was earlier planned to stretch over 1,270 kilometres, will now be limited to around 900 kilometres.

Route Change Announced

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has confirmed that the expressway will now run from Chennai to Nashik instead of Surat. Officials said the decision was taken due to serious difficulties in land acquisition between Surat and Nashik, along with delays in securing environmental clearances.

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The original project was estimated to cost nearly Rs 50,000 crore and aimed to connect Chennai directly with Surat. With the revised alignment ending in Nashik, the expressway will be shortened by more than 300 kilometres, reducing both cost and execution challenges.

Chennai-Surat Expressway: Original Connectivity Plan

Under the initial design, the highway was expected to pass through major cities such as Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Kurnool, Kadapa and Tirupati. It was planned as a key interstate corridor linking Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

Alternative Road For Western Link

To maintain traffic flow towards western India, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will build a new greenfield expressway. This road will connect Bharvir Khurd on the Samruddhi Expressway to Tawa village on NH-48, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. Authorities said this stretch will serve the same purpose as the earlier Surat-Nashik section.

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Project Objective Remains Unchanged

Despite the route revision, the government said the main objective of the project remains intact. The expressway is aimed at improving long-distance travel and strengthening interstate connectivity.

Travel and Speed Benefits

Once completed, the six-lane expressway will allow vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 120 kmph. The project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between central and southern India and reduce travel time for long-haul commuters.