Rachana Construction announces NH-848 expansion to boost connectivity in Maharashtra

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,” he added.

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.

The 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 over-bridges 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.