Maharashtra Approves 134-Km Neral–Shirur Highway To Reduce Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic
Maharashtra Approves 134-Km Neral–Shirur Highway To Reduce Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic
The proposed four-lane highway is expected to improve connectivity between Mumbai, Pune, Marathwada and Ahilyanagar while easing pressure on the busy Mumbai-Pune Expressway
In a major infrastructure boost, the Maharashtra government has approved a 134-km four-lane highway connecting Neral in Raigad district to Shirur in Pune district. The new corridor is expected to serve as an alternative route to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and help reduce growing traffic congestion on one of the state’s busiest highways.
The proposed Neral–Shirur highway will pass through Vandre, Pait, Shiroli, Pabal and Malthan before connecting to Shirur on the Pune–Ahilyanagar highway.
Officials said the project aims to strengthen road connectivity between Mumbai, Pune, Marathwada and Ahilyanagar regions while also improving access to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
The approval comes at a time when the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has repeatedly witnessed massive traffic jams during weekends, holidays and accident-related disruptions. Recently, motorists faced hours-long delays near the newly opened Missing Link section between Khopoli and Lonavala due to heavy congestion.
Earlier this year, a gas tanker accident near the Adoshi tunnel in the Khandala ghat section had triggered a traffic disruption lasting nearly 33 hours, leaving thousands of commuters stranded on the expressway.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar described the project as a “game changer” for Maharashtra’s development. She said the highway would provide faster and more modern connectivity while reducing pressure on the existing Pune-Shirur corridor.
According to officials, the project is expected to benefit several major industrial zones, including Khed SEZ, Talegaon, Chakan, Ranjangaon and Supa MIDC areas. Improved transport connectivity is likely to support industrial growth, logistics movement, investment opportunities and employment generation across Raigad and Pune districts.
The highway is also expected to accelerate development in regions such as Khed, Shirur, Ambegaon and Maval by reducing travel time for both passenger and freight traffic.
Sunetra Pawar stated that senior leader Ajit Pawar had played an important role in pushing the project forward over the years. She added that implementing the highway project would help fulfil a long-term vision for Maharashtra’s infrastructure and regional development.
Once completed, the Neral–Shirur corridor is expected to emerge as an important parallel route for vehicles travelling towards Pune district and parts of Marathwada, offering relief to commuters frequently affected by traffic bottlenecks on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
