Rachana Construction Limited announces the
expansion of the NH-848 highway between Vadape and Thane, a major
infrastructure project commissioned by the National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The project will widen a 23.8 km
stretch from four to eight lanes, easing congestion, improving road safety, and
enhancing connectivity across one of Maharashtra's most heavily used freight and
commuter corridors. Rachana Construction Limited is delivering key components
of the project in collaboration with MEP Infrastructure Developers Ltd. and
Long Jian Road & Bridge Company Ltd., under a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
framework.
This is more than just a
road expansion; it's a leap towards a faster, safer, and smarter future for
Maharashtra. We are proud to contribute to a project that directly benefits
commuters, industry, and the environment. It is a powerful example of how
infrastructure can unlock growth,” said Sujit
Mule, Managing Director, Rachana Construction Limited. “Our focus is on
quality execution, sustainable engineering, and staying aligned with national
priorities under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Projects like this are not just about
building roads—they're about creating long-term value for the regions we serve.
The Vadape–Thane corridor
is a vital link connecting Mumbai with Nashik and forms part of the Mumbai–Agra
National Corridor. It supports heavy cargo traffic from Jawaharlal Nehru Port
(JNPT), Bhiwandi, and Gujarat's industrial zones, as well as daily commuters in
one of India's most urbanised and industrially dynamic regions. Rapid
development in Thane, along with growing freight movement, has placed immense
pressure on the existing infrastructure. This 8-lane initiative addresses these
challenges head-on by enhancing road capacity, improving safety, and
facilitating the seamless movement of freight and passengers.
The project is being built
under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), which combines government support with
private sector expertise. The contract was awarded to MEP Infrastructure
Developers Ltd., which holds a 51% stake in partnership with Long Jian Road
& Bridge Company Ltd. Rachana Construction Limited is handling major parts
of the upgrade, utilising advanced engineering and top-grade materials to
deliver a highway that's built to last and built for safety.
Construction includes the
development of 35.3 km of service roads, 33 box culverts for drainage, and
1.288 km of toe and retaining walls to stabilise terrain. The project includes
several underpasses and foot overbridges to make travel safer for pedestrians
and drivers. The road construction uses durable materials, including bituminous
concrete and dense macadam layers, and a solid sub-base, which maintains
surface smoothness and stability to support heavy traffic on this busy stretch.
The project establishes
sustainability and environmental compliance standards as part of its expansion.
The project obtained all required environmental approvals to divert 14.613
hectares of forest land while implementing drainage systems, erosion control
structures, and afforestation requirements in accordance with MoEFCC standards.
The design incorporates environmental protection measures through the use of
existing right-of-way areas and smart planning techniques to decrease
deforestation and land acquisition.
Further, the project is
designed with future-ready elements, including LED street lighting, plans for
electronic toll collection, and the potential integration of Intelligent
Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) for real-time monitoring and emergency response.
These features help lower emissions, reduce idling times, and improve travel
predictability across the corridor.
This project extends beyond
building a highway, creating sustainable economic opportunities that generate
hundreds of jobs and steady work for local suppliers and service
providers. Once complete, the improved
route will open the door for petrol stations, rest stops, logistics hubs and
small businesses to spring up along the way, creating lasting jobs and steady
income for nearby communities. It also improves commuter safety and cuts
peak-hour travel time to 35–45 minutes from an hour. Freight operators benefit
from smoother cargo movement, fewer delays, and faster turnaround times, which
in turn boost supply chains statewide. Launched on January 21, 2019, and
scheduled to conclude by September 30, 2024, the NH-848 Vadape–Thane project
aims to decongest a key corridor, reduce emissions, enhance safety, and
stimulate the Mumbai–Nashik–Thane economy.
Rachana Construction
Limited remains committed to building infrastructure that serves people, drives
industry, and supports the country's long-term development goals. With a clear
focus on quality, safety, and sustainability, the company continues to deliver
excellence across India's transport sector.
