Travelled from Western Mumbai to Nashik and back on the same day
BHPian csv8 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Thanks @vivek95, your thread did help ease the directions and hassle to get onto the Samruddhi Mahamarg.
Started from Western Mumbai at 6:15AM and reached Nashik at 9:45AM. And on my way back, started from Nashik at 2:15PM and reached Western Mumbai back at 6:15.
Few important observations:
- Took Thane route to Bhiwandi to connect to Amane Entry point to Samruddhi Mahamarg, and oh boy! Ghodbunder road seems like it’s made for offroaders only. There are huge potholes on multiple stretches. On my way back (towards Mumbai(Dahisar), there’s a brief off-road stretch at Patlipada, Thane. It’s so bad, no words can explain. My suggestion would be to move onto the service road while arriving Patlipada,.
- I was lucky to be starting early to avoid traffic on my way to Nashik, but while returning to Mumbai, I was stuck in Bhiwandi’s slow moving traffic for about 30-40 minutes, as the 4 lane highway converges into 2 lanes on a bridge connecting Thane, also multiple diversions onto the service road slow down the pace.
- It was raining while on my way to Nashik, on the Mahamarg. Although it was fun to cruise during rains, but it was equally horrifying at a few places in the right-most (First) lane as the standing water hasn’t got any drain holes/routes. It literally felt as if the car is aquaplaning at a few instances. Better to stick to the second lane (100kmph).
- On the Mahamarg, the road isn’t butter smooth, and there are undulations in every patch. (Amane- Nashik patch probably constructed By Navayuga Engineering Company pvt ltd.)
- Not many vehicles on the Mahamarg yet, making the driving very relaxing.
- Impressively, saves about an hour, while being able to maintain steady pace, and while enjoying the greenery and unseen scenery.
- Truckers can be seen following lane discipline (except for a few) making the experience even better.
- I took the Igatpuri interchange / exit, which is right after the tunnel ends. Maybe a few signage in the tunnel or towards the end of the tunnel would be helpful, rather than only a single sign for Igatpuri interchange after the tunnel ends
- About 45KM to be travelled on the old Nashik highway after the Igatpuri Exit towards Nashik. The Tarmac on the old highway seems to be smooth, while needing to watch out for potholes in the stretch.
- Entry for Samruddhi Mahamarg is mentioned on the Nashik Highway (towards Mumbai), but the sign boards look temporary, hopefully clear signage would be provided in the coming months.
- The washrooms near the Amane Toll-Booth were surprisingly clean and odorless. Kudos for maintaining the washrooms, hopefully they are maintained even after traffic increases.
- There are absolutely no Rest-Stops or Food-Malls between the Amane and Igatpuri stretch, neither is there a provision till now. Although, there is the last lane probably for stopping in cases of emergency, but people stop to click pictures.
Also, had a Audi Q7 fly by at about a speed of 150-160kmph having a time of his life. (Not encouraged at all !) Better to follow the speed limits, maybe the cameras would be installed in a few days now.
Near the Amane Toll-Booth:
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