32-km Dehu–Narhe Elevated Corridor on Pune–Bengaluru Highway: Gadkari Tells NHAI to Speed Up Work
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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed the ministry and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to fast-track the proposed elevated corridor along the Pune–Bengaluru Highway (NH-48) within Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad limits.
According to senior NHAI officials, Gadkari issued the instructions during a meeting on August 7. “The proposal will soon be placed before the Union Cabinet. The minister has also asked us to simultaneously begin tendering so that the project can move forward immediately after cabinet approval,” one official said.
The 32-km corridor, estimated to cost between ₹5,500 crore and ₹6,000 crore, has been in the pipeline for nearly four years. The detailed project report (DPR) was prepared earlier, with the plan divided into two packages: Dehu Road–Pashan-Sus and Pashan-Sus–Narhe.
Initially, the first package was to end at Balewadi Stadium, but following requests from IT professionals in Hinjewadi and local residents, the alignment was extended to Pashan-Sus.
In August 2024, Maval MP Shrirang Barne raised concerns in Parliament over delays in the project. Gadkari had then clarified that arbitration disputes with the existing concessionaire were holding up progress. The concessionaire currently maintains the 140-km Dehu Road–Shendre stretch and collects tolls. NHAI officials now say the legal issues are close to resolution.
The elevated corridor is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on NH-48, which faces severe bottlenecks within Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad during peak hours. With rapid residential growth along the stretch, the highway has become a key urban connector.
Meanwhile, NHAI is preparing to widen service roads within PCMC limits from the existing 12 metres to 24 metres on both sides of the highway after the monsoon. Civic authorities recently cleared 110 structures to make way for the expansion.
Project Snapshot
- Estimated cost: ₹5,500–₹6,000 crore
- Total length: 32 km
- Phase 1: Dehu Road–Pashan-Sus
- Phase 2: Pashan-Sus–Narhe
