Pune: As the Maharashtra government celebrates the inauguration of the final phase of the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway), Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal has launched a scathing attack on the project, alleging large-scale corruption. He claimed that the cost of the project has escalated from ₹55,000 crore to ₹70,000 crore, and accused the ruling government of inflating expenses to cover up corruption amounting to ₹15,000 crore.
“If the government truly upholds transparency and ethics, it must release a white paper detailing every aspect of the Samruddhi project,” Sapkal demanded, issuing an open challenge to the state administration.
Ghodbunder–Bhayander Tunnel and Elevated Road Project, which was cancelled following Supreme Court intervention due to alleged ₹3,000 crore corruption, Sapkal claimed that similar irregularities have taken place in the Samruddhi Mahamarg. He further alleged that aides close to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and CM Eknath Shinde were beneficiaries of these irregularities.
“The now-infamous ‘₹50 khoke, ekdum OK’ scandal — a reference to alleged bribes for political defections — was funded by black money siphoned off from the Samruddhi project,” Sapkal stated.
Labeling the expressway as a “Highway of Corruption,” Sapkal demanded public disclosure of:
Total funds sanctioned and actually spent
Cost incurred per bridge and per kilometre
Compensation disbursed for land acquisition
Payments made to private contractors
Expenditure on tree plantation
Toll revenue generated since the highway’s opening
He also criticised the poor construction quality, citing instances of visible cracks and structural issues in multiple sections. “Since its launch, the highway has witnessed several serious accidents leading to loss of lives and injuries, raising further concerns about its execution,” Sapkal said.
He concluded by asserting that while the Samruddhi Expressway was envisioned as a symbol of development, it has instead become a tool for enriching a select few in power. Sapkal reiterated the need for an independent inquiry and immediate public transparency through a white paper.
