State govt approves land acquisition for Bhandara-Gadchiroli expressway

Nagpur: The state govt has approved the implementation of the 94.241 km-long access-controlled expressway connecting Bhandara and Gadchiroli and granted administrative sanction of Rs931.15 crore towards land acquisition and interest, as per a govt resolution issued on Wednesday. The project will be undertaken by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the financial approval follows cabinet decision taken on September 16, 2025, which included permission to immediately initiate land acquisition proceedings.
The revised alignment comprises 2 stretches with the first stretch running from Savarkheda interchange on the Nagpur–Gondia access-controlled expressway to Koknagad on National Highway 53, covering 0 to 24.705 km. The second stretch extends from Borgaon interchange to Rammochan on National Highway 353D, covering 0 to 69.536 km. Together, the total length comes to 94.241 km. The administrative sanction includes Rs534.46 crore as the principal land acquisition cost and Rs396.69 crore as estimated interest, taking the total approved amount to Rs931.15 crore.Detailed proposals relating to financial planning, draft tender documents, concession agreement framework, and funding structure will be placed before the cabinet for prior approval before execution, in accordance with established Public Works Department procedures. As suggested by the finance department, the state also approved the inclusion of a condition in HUDCO's letter stating that the govt of Maharashtra will make good any shortfall or deficit in MSRDC's revenue stream from state funds to ensure timely repayment of HUDCO loan instalments. The project is part of a broader push to strengthen Vidarbha's road infrastructure by linking key eastern Maharashtra districts to the state's expressway network. Once complete, the Bhandara-Gadchiroli access-controlled expressway will integrate with the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur expressway), significantly improving connectivity for Gadchiroli, Bhandara and Nagpur and shortening travel distances by around 23 km between major destinations.Officials involved in planning and execution say the expressway will facilitate faster movement of goods and people, reducing travel time and transport costs across the tribal and backward regions of Vidarbha. Enhanced connectivity is expected to attract economic activity, with improved road access helping local agriculture, industry and tourism by linking remote areas with urban markets and logistics hubs.