In an initiative aimed at promoting cultural preservation, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has begun decorating 14 tunnels along the Samruddhi Mahamarg with local Warli art. The project is the first of its kind in the state, aiming to beautify the highway while showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The MSRDC has already completed the graffiti work on the tunnels of Igatpuri, located between Thane and Nashik districts. The vivid paintings depict local Warli art, with themes ranging from the traditional art of Kasara in Thane district to representations of Vipassana, tourism, agriculture, and daily life. The initiative spans all 14 tunnels along the highway, which stretches from Nagpur to Mumbai, with each tunnel showcasing the distinct cultural identity of its surrounding area.
“These murals are not just for aesthetic appeal; they are an effort to preserve and share the local cultural narratives,” said Dr Anilkumar Gaikwad, Vice President and Managing Director of MSRDC. “By focusing on Warli art, which is deeply rooted in the region, we hope to engage travellers in a meaningful and visually engaging way,” he added.
MSRDC officials believe that these artistic expressions will help reduce driver fatigue, making travel more enjoyable for the 1.5 crore motorists who have already used the highway.
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, which spans 701 km, has 625 km open for traffic, with the final 76 km stretch, from Igatpuri to Amane, soon to be opened. This section includes five tunnels, including the 7.78-km-long tunnel at Igatpuri, which is the longest in Maharashtra. Once completed, the tunnel will reduce travel time between Igatpuri and Kasara from an hour to just eight minutes, bypassing the challenging Kasara Ghat.
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