Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a massive road infrastructure package worth ₹1.5 lakh crore for Maharashtra, promising faster travel, smoother logistics, and major relief for commuters.

Among the key highlights are a second Mumbai–Pune Expressway, a new Pune–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar expressway, and several big-ticket projects focused on Pune’s urban growth.

Mumbai–Pune Expressway II: Faster Than Ever

A new 130-km expressway will be built parallel to the existing Mumbai–Pune Expressway at an estimated cost of ₹15,000 crore. Extending from the Atal Setu near JNPA to Pune’s Shivare Junction, this corridor will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune to just 90 minutes, compared to the current 2.5–3 hours, which often stretches longer during traffic snarls in the ghats.

Once operational, commuters will also be able to travel from Pune to Mumbai to Bengaluru in just 5.5 hours, significantly boosting business and tourism connectivity. The first phase from Pagote near JNPA to Chowk in Panvel has already received approval.

Pune–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Two Hours

Gadkari also announced a greenfield expressway between Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, to be constructed by MSIDC at a cost of ₹16,318 crore. This expressway will cut travel time between the two cities to two hours, while enabling travel from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to Nagpur in about 2.5 to 3 hours.

The project will have two alignments, one via Pune–Ahilyanagar–Sambhajinagar and another from Shikrapur through Beed district, improving regional connectivity across Marathwada.

Major Infrastructure Boost for Pune

Of the total approved outlay, nearly ₹50,000 crore has been sanctioned for Pune district alone, with construction expected to begin within the next three months. Key projects include the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur elevated corridor, a four-tier infrastructure project costing ₹4,207 crore, featuring a road, flyovers, and a metro line. Gadkari said the tender process is complete and groundwork will begin after local body elections.

Stronger Links for Trade and Ports

Meanwhile, NHAI is planning a new 15-km link road between Morbe and Kalamboli to connect the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway directly to JNPA, easing freight movement. This ₹9,000 crore project aims to ensure seamless port connectivity as the final Maharashtra stretch of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway nears completion by 2026.

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