Mumbai–Bengaluru in Just 7 Hours: New 14-Lane Expressway to Revolutionize Connectivity and Trade

Pune, May 10, 2025 — In a transformative step for India’s infrastructure and logistics network, a new 14-lane expressway connecting Mumbai and Bengaluru is in the works. Spanning nearly 700 kilometers, this high-speed corridor aims to slash the current travel time from 18 hours to just 6–7 hours, drastically improving both passenger and freight movement between two of India’s most vital economic hubs.

Part of Bharatmala Project: A ₹40,000 Crore Vision

The expressway, a flagship initiative under the central government’s ambitious Bharatmala project, will originate at the Atal Setu in Mumbai and seamlessly integrate with the Pune Ring Road. With an estimated investment of ₹40,000 crore, the mega project is poised to boost connectivity between Maharashtra and Karnataka, supporting growth in trade, logistics, tourism, and regional development.

Key Infrastructure Highlights

The expressway will feature:

• 55 flyovers
• 22 interchanges
• 2 emergency airstrips for strategic and crisis-related use

These features are designed to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, improved safety standards, and preparedness for emergency situations. The expressway’s design focuses on being future-ready and resilient, with the capacity to support both civilian and defense logistics.

Enhanced Regional Connectivity

In Maharashtra, the expressway will traverse major districts including Pune, Satara, and Sangli. In Karnataka, it will connect nine key districts: Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Vijayanagara (Ballari), Koppal, Gadag, Bagalkot, and Belagavi.

The expressway will start from the Pune Ring Road and culminate at Muthagadahalli, connecting to Bengaluru’s Satellite Ring Road. This will ensure seamless travel between city and highway routes, reducing congestion and improving intra-state mobility.

Scenic Route Across 10 Rivers

The route will cross 10 significant rivers—Yerla, Nira, Chand, Krishna, Agrani, Ghataprabha, Tungabhadra, Malaprabha, Chikka, and Vedavathi—offering travelers a scenic journey while enabling high-speed travel.

Economic Boost and Environmental Impact

With a reduction of around 95 kilometers in the Mumbai–Pune–Bengaluru travel route, the expressway is expected to lower fuel consumption, cut travel costs, and reduce carbon emissions. It will also bolster supply chains and reduce delivery times, making it a critical asset for e-commerce, manufacturing, and tourism sectors.

Target Completion by 2028

The expressway is expected to be operational by 2028. Once completed, it will mark a milestone in India’s infrastructure development, significantly strengthening national connectivity and economic integration.