Mumbai-Pune Old Highway Set for Six-Laning; Toll Collection May Continue Until 2050
Mumbai-Pune Old Highway Set for Six-Laning; Toll Collection May Continue Until 2050
MSRDC begins planning to widen the old Mumbai-Pune Highway to six lanes, with new routes proposed to ease traffic congestion while extending the toll collection period.
By Vidhi Lalla
Pune:The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has initiated plans to widen the old Mumbai-Pune Highway from four lanes to six lanes, marking another major infrastructure upgrade for one of the state’s busiest road corridors. The project is aimed at reducing congestion, improving road safety and supporting the steadily increasing traffic between Mumbai and Pune.
The highway, originally constructed during the British era through the Bhor Ghat to connect Mumbai with the Deccan Plateau, later became part of National Highway 48. Even after the Mumbai-Pune Expressway opened, the old highway continues to carry a significant volume of passenger vehicles, buses and commercial traffic every day.
According to officials, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared. Once finalised, it will determine the exact alignment, engineering design, new connecting roads and other improvements proposed under the project.
One of the key objectives is to reduce traffic bottlenecks around the Lonavala-Khandala Ghat section, where congestion is common during weekends, holidays and the monsoon season. Authorities are also exploring alternative routes and road improvements to ensure smoother traffic movement through the hilly stretch.
The six-laning proposal comes soon after the opening of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Project, which is expected to shorten travel time and improve safety by bypassing the accident-prone ghat section. Together, both projects are intended to accommodate future traffic growth and reduce travel delays.
The proposed highway expansion is estimated to cost ₹5,000 crore to ₹6,000 crore. The expenditure is expected to be recovered through toll revenue, making an extension of the existing toll collection period likely.
At present, toll collection on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway is authorised until 2035. However, if the new expansion project receives approval, the toll collection period could be extended by 10 to 15 years, allowing tolls to continue until 2045 or even 2050.
The proposal has generated discussion among commuters and transport experts. While improved road infrastructure is expected to enhance travel efficiency and safety, a longer toll period would increase the financial burden on regular highway users. Experts also point out that with the Expressway, the Missing Link project and the proposed widening of the old highway, substantial investments are being made to strengthen connectivity between Maharashtra’s two largest cities.
Officials have clarified that the project is still in the planning stage. Construction timelines, land requirements, environmental approvals and the final project cost will become clear only after the DPR is completed and approved.
If implemented as proposed, the upgraded six-lane highway is expected to improve freight movement, reduce travel delays and provide additional capacity alongside the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, helping meet the region’s growing transportation needs.
Disclaimer: The project is currently in the planning stage. Final design, construction schedule, project cost, toll period and implementation timeline will be confirmed after the Detailed Project Report is approved and necessary government clearances are obtained.
