Nashik: In a significant infrastructure boost for tourism and regional connectivity, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the four-laning of the 17-kilometre stretch of National Highway between Vani and Hatgad in Nashik district. The stretch forms a key link to Saputara, the popular hill station located in Gujarat.

The Ministry has issued the final land acquisition notification for the project, under which 3 hectares and 57 gunthas of land will be acquired. A preliminary notification had been issued in 2024 inviting public objections. As no objections were received within the stipulated one-year period, the final notification has now been published, clearing the way for early commencement of construction.

Work Targeted Ahead of Upcoming Kumbh Mela

The State Public Works Department has already approved a ₹100-crore project for four-laning the Nashik–Vani road in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela. With the Vani–Hatgad widening project progressing simultaneously, the Nashik–Saputara corridor is expected to become faster, safer, and more commuter-friendly.

Authorities are aiming to complete the upgraded corridor ahead of the anticipated surge in pilgrim and tourist traffic during the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela period.

At present, the Vani–Hatgad stretch is a two-lane ghat section, which restricts vehicular movement and limits tourist inflow. The proposed four-lane highway is expected to improve road safety and unlock tourism potential in the Hatgad region, on the lines of Saputara.

Boost to North Maharashtra and Inter-State Connectivity

The project is expected to benefit not only Nashik district, but also Dhule and Nandurbar. For travellers from these districts heading towards Gujarat, the Nashik–Saputara highway will provide a faster and more efficient route for passenger transport, commercial traffic, and agricultural logistics.

In particular, movement of farm produce from tribal regions of Nandurbar to markets in Gujarat and Nashik is likely to become significantly smoother. The upgraded highway is anticipated to strengthen connectivity and economic activity across North Maharashtra.

Overall, the four-laning of the corridor is expected to enhance tourism, logistics, and pilgrimage-related travel between Gujarat, Nashik, Dhule, and Nandurbar, further reinforcing cross-border regional connectivity. DeshGujarat