NHAI Approves Rs.604 Crore, 32.4-km Service Road Project on Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway to Ease Pune Traffic
NHAI Approves ₹604 Crore, 32.4-km Service Road Project on Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway to Ease Pune Traffic
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given the green light for a 32.4-kilometre service road project along the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48), connecting Khed-Shivapur to Ravet. The project aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and provide a smoother commuting experience for local and long-distance travelers. The estimated cost of the project is ₹604 crore, and construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with completion expected within two years.
Project Details and Purpose
Pune’s highways, especially NH-48, experience heavy congestion, with approximately 2.1 lakh vehicles using the road daily. To alleviate this, the new service road will serve as an alternative route for local traffic, helping to decongest major bottlenecks such as Narhe, Navale Bridge, Warje, Chandani Chowk, and Ravet. The two-lane service road will have 3.5-metre-wide lanes on each side of the highway, making it suitable for small vehicles and local residents. It is expected to benefit at least one lakh vehicles daily and reduce travel time by around 20 minutes.
Key Benefits of the Project
- Reduced congestion on NH-48 by diverting local traffic.
- Safer roads, leading to fewer accidents.
- Faster commute, saving 15 to 20 minutes of travel time.
- Fuel savings due to smoother traffic flow.
- Improved connectivity for local commuters and small vehicles.
Land Acquisition and Construction Phases
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has already completed 90% of the land acquisition, while the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is handling the remaining 10%.
The project will be executed in three phases:
- Khed-Shivapur to the new Katraj tunnel
- Warje to Balewadi
- Wakad to Ravet
Project Timeline and Execution
According to NHAI Senior Engineer Subhash Ghante, the land acquisition process is nearly complete, and the tender process will begin soon. Once construction starts in March 2025, the project is expected to be finished within two years.
This development is part of a larger strategy to tackle Pune’s growing traffic problems, particularly in high-congestion areas. The new service road will provide an efficient alternative route for local traffic, easing the burden on the main highway and significantly improving road safety and transportation efficiency along this crucial corridor.
