India, Dec. 31 -- The Union cabinet on Wednesday cleared two highway projects, including the largest build-operate-transfer (BOT) six-lane and access-controlled expressway between Nashik and Solapur, worth Rs.20,668 crore.

"This corridor is a vital part of the Viksit Bharat Golden Quadrilateral, specifically the section connecting Mumbai and Chennai. With an investment of Rs.19,142 crore, the project will link major industrial centres, including Ahilya Nagar and Dharashiv, and is expected to be completed within two years," said Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

This stretch will have 27 major, 164 minor bridges, and a 5.6 kilometre elevated viaduct. Designed for a speed of 100-120 km per hour, the expressway will reduce travel distance b...