While motorists eagerly await the opening of the final stretch of the Samruddhi Highway from Igatpuri to Mumbai, concerns have emerged over the quality of construction. The cement concrete (CC) road surface between Amane and Shahapur has developed cracks in multiple spots, raising serious questions about the workmanship. This comes just a day after mid-day highlighted how motorists were illegally using the unopened stretch.
 
A local resident from Shahapur, requesting anonymity, said, “Cracks have appeared in several places along the Amane to Kasara stretch. What’s shocking is that the Amane-Igatpuri section is yet to be officially opened, and yet, the CC road has already started developing cracks.” Sources shared images with mid-day, clearly showing minor cracks on the road surface. Another resident from a village near Bhatsa also provided images of the Amane-Igatpuri stretch, where cracks had reportedly formed.

A section of the unopened expressway near Shahapur with visible cracks