The Samruddhi Highway, a 701 km-long route connecting Nagpur and Mumbai, has seen over 25 million vehicles traverse its path since its inception. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) planned for both fast travel and sustainable energy production from the outset. In the first phase, the highway has a total installed solar capacity of 9 MW, with plans to increase this to 204 MW across other interchanges in the coming years.
The solar power project is expected to generate revenue for the highway, with electricity sales managed through MahaVitaran under a 2022 agreement with MSRDC’s special-purpose vehicle, Mahasamruddhi Renewable Energy Ltd. The project will also enable MSRDC to earn carbon credits, which can be used to support future infrastructure financing. This innovative approach to energy production will not only reduce the highway’s carbon footprint but also create a new stream of income.
According to Manuj Jindal, Co-Managing Director of MSRDC, this project is a significant milestone for the corporation. The success of this project has prompted plans for similar solar projects at interchanges of other proposed expressways, which will create additional revenue and promote sustainable infrastructure. This approach demonstrates MSRDC’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact while also exploring new ways to generate revenue.
The Samruddhi Highway’s solar power project is an example of how infrastructure development can be combined with sustainable energy production. By harnessing solar energy, MSRDC is reducing its reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contributing to a cleaner environment. As the project expands to other interchanges, it is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and create new opportunities for revenue generation. Overall, the Samruddhi Highway’s solar power project is a step in the right direction towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure.