₹12,000 Cr, 135-Km Highway Proposed to Ease Pune, PCMC Traffic; To Link Shirur, Chakan, Talegaon, JNPT
₹12,000 Cr, 135-Km Highway Proposed to Ease Pune, PCMC Traffic; To Link Shirur, Chakan, Talegaon, JNPT
Pune: The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed a ₹12,000 crore four-lane highway to address rising traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The 135-kilometre-long highway will connect Shirur, Chakan, Talegaon, Shiroli, Karjat, and JNPT (Uran), providing an alternative route for vehicles traveling between Marathwada and Mumbai. The proposal is currently under review and awaits final approval from the state cabinet.
Key Features of the Project
The new highway aims to reduce congestion on the heavily used Shikrapur-Chakan-Talegaon-Lonavala corridor, which faces significant traffic due to major industrial zones in Chakan and Shirur. Frequent bottlenecks on these roads lead to delays and increased transportation costs. By offering a direct and faster connection to Mumbai, the highway is expected to ease the burden on Pune’s city roads and improve logistical efficiency.
According to R. Y. Patil, Executive Engineer, PWD, the highway will connect to the National Highway near Vadodara and seamlessly link to JNPT. The estimated project cost includes ₹11,500 crore for land acquisition and ₹8,500 crore for road construction. The project will be developed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model and will feature:
- Four lanes
- Eight bypasses at different villages
- A tunnel at the Khandala Ghat section, ensuring a smoother gradient similar to the Amrutanjan Bridge
Authorities estimate that the project will reduce nearly 80% of the traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Approval and Construction Timeline
Once final approval is granted, land acquisition is expected to take one year, followed by two-and-a-half years of construction. The proposal has been submitted to the State Environment Impact Assessment Committee for environmental clearance and is currently being reviewed by the State Infrastructure Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister. Officials anticipate cabinet approval soon, which will pave the way for execution.
Economic and Urban Benefits
Currently, vehicles traveling from Marathwada to Mumbai rely on the congested Shikrapur-Chakan-Talegaon-Lonavala corridor, with industrial traffic further worsening the situation during peak hours. The new highway will create an alternative corridor via Shirur, Chakan, Talegaon, Shiroli, Karjat, and JNPT, enhancing connectivity to Panvel and Uran, and benefiting JNPT, a key trade and logistics hub.
Beyond reducing congestion, the project is expected to boost economic growth by improving transport links for industries in Shirur, Talegaon, and Karjat. Agricultural trade in the region will also benefit from better connectivity. By diverting heavy vehicles away from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the project will not only improve urban traffic flow but also reduce travel time for commuters.
Two-Phase Construction Plan
The highway construction will be executed in two phases:
- Phase 1 will cover 60 kilometres, addressing critical high-traffic sections.
- Phase 2 will complete the remaining 75 kilometres, ensuring full connectivity between Shirur and JNPT.
Authorities believe that once operational, the highway will be a game-changer for transportation, benefiting commuters, businesses, and industries while significantly easing traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
