Mumbai-Pune Travel to Get Faster: Expressway Upgrade, Navi Mumbai Airport, and Elevated Corridors Near Completion

Pune’s Infrastructure Boom: Key Projects Set to Transform Connectivity

Pune and its surrounding regions are on the verge of a significant infrastructure overhaul, with several long-pending projects gaining momentum. From expressways to international airports, these developments are expected to ease congestion, reduce travel time, and boost economic growth. Here’s a look at the major connectivity initiatives shaping Pune’s future.

1. Pune Ring Road: A Long-Awaited Solution to Traffic Woes

First proposed in 1997 and officially announced in 2016, the Pune Ring Road is now progressing steadily. The 170-km corridor will connect 83 villages and integrate major highways, including Pune-Ahmednagar, Pune-Solapur, Pune-Bengaluru, Pune-Nashik, and Pune-Mumbai. The project is divided into two segments:

• Eastern Segment: Extending from Urse (Mumbai-Pune Expressway) to Sortapwadi (Pune-Solapur Road), the revised length is 72.33 km, with an increased budget of ₹19,932.98 crore.
• Western Segment: Running from Urse to Varve Budruk (Satara Road), the cost has surged from ₹12,176 crore to ₹22,778.05 crore.

Despite challenges such as land acquisition and escalating costs, authorities are expediting the project. Local leaders, including MLA Siddharth Shirole, have emphasized its importance in reducing congestion and fostering urban development.

2. Pune Inner Ring Road: Enhancing Citywide Connectivity

The Pune Inner Ring Road, spearheaded by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), aims to improve connectivity across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Spanning 83.12 km across 44 villages, this ₹14,200 crore project will feature:

• 17 bridges
• 10 tunnels
• A dedicated metro corridor

With land acquisition underway and ₹113 crore allocated for the first phase, the project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion by diverting heavy vehicles from city roads.

3. Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link: A Game Changer for Commuters

A much-needed upgrade to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is nearing completion, reducing travel time by 20-25 minutes. The “Missing Link” project will realign the expressway, shortening the current 19-km stretch to 13.3 km. Key features include:

• Maharashtra’s first cable-stayed highway, featuring a 180-meter bridge bypassing the Khandala Ghat.
• Two four-lane tunnels, measuring 8.87 km and 1.67 km, designed to ease congestion and minimize accident-prone zones.
• 98% of tunneling work is completed, with final stages progressing rapidly.

Once operational, the project will enhance safety, lower fuel costs, and ensure uninterrupted travel, especially during the monsoon.

4. Navi Mumbai International Airport: A New Gateway for Pune Travelers

Set to open in May 2025, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected to revolutionize air travel for Mumbai and Pune residents. The airport, spanning 1,160 hectares, will feature:

• Two parallel runways
• An initial passenger capacity of 20 million annually

For Pune travelers, NMIA will be a viable alternative to Pune International Airport. With the completion of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and additional road expansions by June 2025, the travel time from Pune to NMIA will be just 90 minutes. This will make NMIA more accessible for residents of Hinjewadi, Baner, and Wakad than even Pune Airport.

5. New Elevated Corridors to Link Mumbai-Pune Expressway and MTHL

By 2027, two elevated corridors will seamlessly connect the Mumbai-Pune Expressway with MTHL, improving traffic flow. The ₹1,100 crore project includes:

• A 4.95-km elevated stretch from Chirle to Gavan Phata.
• A 1.7-km corridor linking Palaspe Phata to the expressway.

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce congestion on NH-348 and NH-48, making travel between Mumbai and Pune more efficient.

6. Expressway to Connect JNPT, Atal Setu, and Old Mumbai-Pune Highway

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a ₹3,700 crore expressway to enhance connectivity between Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. The 30-km expressway will link Pagote (near JNPT) to Chauk Junction, integrating with major highways. Once operational, the corridor will:

• Reduce travel time between MTHL and the Goa Highway to 20-30 minutes.
• Ease congestion in Navi Mumbai and Panvel.

7. Pune-Bengaluru Expressway: Cutting Travel Time by Half

Among the major upcoming projects, the Pune-Bengaluru Expressway is set to dramatically cut travel time from 15 hours to just 7 hours. Key details include:

• 700-km expressway under the Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase 2.
• Estimated cost: ₹50,000 crore.
• Designed for speeds of up to 120 km/h.
• Expected completion by 2028.

Once operational, the expressway will provide a faster alternative to NH-48, benefiting logistics and regional trade.

8. Purandar International Airport: A Long-Term Vision

The Purandar International Airport project, envisioned as Pune’s second airport, is projected to be operational by 2029. Land acquisition is set to begin soon, marking the initial phase of this ambitious venture aimed at further enhancing Pune’s air connectivity.

Pune’s Connectivity Revolution: What Lies Ahead

These transformative projects signal a new era for Pune’s infrastructure. From expressways and ring roads to world-class airports, these developments will not only ease travel but also fuel economic growth, enhance safety, and support regional expansion. As construction progresses, Pune residents can look forward to a better-connected, more efficient future.