The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has taken a major step forward in transforming the state’s transport landscape with the 179.85 km Jalna Nanded Expressway project. Designed as a 6-lane access-controlled expressway, this project will serve as a critical link between Jalna and Nanded, reducing travel time and boosting economic growth across the Marathwada region.
The project reached a key milestone on Thursday, when MSRDC officially opened the bids. A total of 10 leading infrastructure companies submitted bids for different packages of the project, underlining the significance of this mega expressway in Maharashtra’s development roadmap.
Explore More Expressway Projects in Maharashtra ➝
Project Overview: Jalna Nanded Expressway
- Total Length: 179.85 km
- Lanes: 6-lane access-controlled highway (expandable in future)
- Speed Limit: 120 kmph
- Northern Terminal: Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg or ME-2)
- Travel Time Reduction: Mumbai to Nanded journey time will reduce from 11 hours to just 6 hours.
The Jalna–Nanded Expressway is not just a road project, but a strategic infrastructure investment. By connecting Nanded directly to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, the project will unlock seamless movement of goods and people across Maharashtra, including links to Mumbai, Nagpur, and Aurangabad.
This expressway is also expected to boost industrial development, agriculture trade, and regional logistics, making it one of the most awaited projects in the state.
Read More: Virar Alibaug Multimodal Corridor Updates ➝
Jalna Nanded Expressway Bidding Process
The bidding journey for this mega project began in April 2023 with the Request for Qualification (RfQ) round, where 28 companies initially submitted applications. Out of these, 18 firms were shortlisted for the Request for Proposal (RfP) stage in December 2023.
Finally, in January 2024, bids were officially opened. A total of 10 civil engineering giants submitted 23 bids across the six packages of the expressway.
Key Players in the Jalna Nanded Expressway Bidding
The 10 major companies that entered the race are some of India’s leading highway builders:
- Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.
- APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd.
- GR Infraprojects
- IRCON International
- J Kumar Infraprojects
- Montecarlo Ltd.
- Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE)
- NCC Ltd.
- PNC Infratech
- Roadway Solutions India Infra
These companies have also been involved in other mega infrastructure projects across India, from expressways to metros, which indicates that MSRDC has attracted highly experienced players for this project.
See More: India’s Top Highway Contractors ➝
Package-Wise Bidders List
To ensure healthy competition, MSRDC divided the Jalna Nanded Expressway into six packages (JNE-1 to JNE-6). Below is the detailed package-wise bidders list:
JNE-1 (0.000 km to 36.09 km, 36.09 km)
- Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.
- APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd.
- NCC Ltd.
JNE-2 (36.09 km to 66.55 km, 30.46 km)
- APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd.
- IRCON International
- Montecarlo Ltd.
- NCC Ltd.
JNE-3 (66.55 km to 98.99 km, 32.44 km)
- APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd.
- Montecarlo Ltd.
- NCC Ltd.
JNE-4 (98.99 km to 127.84 km, 28.85 km)
- J Kumar Infraprojects
- Montecarlo Ltd.
- Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE)
- PNC Infratech
JNE-5 (127.84 km to 160.03 km, 32.19 km)
- IRCON International
- Montecarlo Ltd.
- PNC Infratech
- Roadway Solutions India Infra
JNE-6 (160.03 km to 179.85 km, 24.30 km)
- APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd.
- GR Infraprojects
- IRCON International
- Montecarlo Ltd.
- Roadway Solutions India Infra
This strong participation shows the high competition and interest among top civil contractors.
Package Details
The Jalna Nanded Expressway is divided into six packages (JNE-1 to JNE-6), covering the entire 179.85 km stretch.
| Package | Length (km) | Chainage Range | Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNE-1 | 36.09 | 0.000 to 36.09 | APCO Infratech is lowest bidder |
| JNE-2 | 30.46 | 36.09 to 66.55 | APCO Infratech is lowest bidder |
| JNE-3 | 32.44 | 66.55 to 98.99 | Montecarlo (MCL) is lowest bidder |
| JNE-4 | 28.85 | 98.99 to 127.84 | PNC Infratech is lowest bidder |
| JNE-5 | 32.19 | 127.84 to 160.03 | Montecarlo (MCL) is lowest bidder |
| JNE-6 | 24.30 | 160.03 to 179.85 | Roadway Solutions (RSIIL) is lowest bidder |
Final contractors for each package will be declared once financial bids are evaluated.
Timeline and Next Steps
- Technical Bid Opening: January 2024
- Financial Bid Opening: Post Lok Sabha elections 2024 (due to model code of conduct)
- Construction Period: Expected 30–36 months after awarding contracts
- Target Completion: By 2027
Once completed, the expressway will seamlessly connect Nanded to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, enhancing regional and interstate connectivity.
Other Projects Opened Alongside
Interestingly, on the same day, MSRDC also opened bids for two other mega projects:
- 136.80 km Pune Ring Road
- 126 km Virar–Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor (MMC)
These projects are equally crucial for Maharashtra’s infrastructure expansion and will complement the Jalna Nanded Expressway in improving statewide connectivity.
Read More: Pune Ring Road Project Bidders ➝
Read More: Virar–Alibaug MMC Project Bidders ➝
Conclusion
The Jalna Nanded Expressway represents a transformative step for Maharashtra’s road infrastructure. By directly linking Nanded to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, the project will:
- Reduce travel time (Mumbai–Nanded from 11 hrs ➝ 6 hrs)
- Boost regional economy in Marathwada
- Enhance trade & logistics connectivity
- Promote industrial growth across key districts
With 10 top bidders vying for contracts, the project is expected to move swiftly once financial bids are finalized after elections.
This expressway is more than just a highway – it is a gateway to balanced development in Maharashtra.
Stay tuned to InfraXpress for timely updates as the winning contractors are announced, marking the beginning of yet another milestone in India’s road infrastructure journey.