Pune Nashik Elevated Highway To Cut Travel Drastically
Pune is preparing for a major transport upgrade with the launch of an elevated highway corridor between Nashik Phata and Rajgurunagar, which is expected to cut the current travel time of nearly two hours to just 20 minutes. The 28-kilometre stretch on National Highway 60 will be transformed into an elevated corridor to address one of the city’s biggest bottlenecks. Transport planners believe the project will not only improve regional connectivity but also bring relief to daily commuters who currently spend hours in traffic.
According to officials, the project will involve significant land acquisition across villages including Nane Karwadi, Medankarwadi, Waki Khurd, Waki Budruk, Chimbali, Kuruli, and Chakan. These areas are strategically important for approach ramps and alternative routes to ease the strain on Chakan town, which has seen worsening traffic due to industrial growth. Authorities are planning outer bypasses in surrounding localities to divert heavy vehicles and ensure smoother urban traffic flow.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to decongest Pune Metropolitan Region. The development agency has been prioritising projects that focus on road widening, land acquisition, and efficient integration with ongoing infrastructure such as the Ring Road project. The first and second phases of the Ring Road, covering areas from Nashik Highway to Solapur Highway, have already reached the final stages of land acquisition, while the subsequent phases are under active review.
Urban transport experts suggest that the elevated corridor could significantly cut vehicular emissions by reducing travel time and easing congestion. This directly supports the city’s long-term goals of eco-friendly mobility and reduced carbon footprint. By limiting idling vehicles and ensuring smoother flow, the corridor will help balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility. Local officials emphasise that the project is designed not just for faster travel but also to build a sustainable framework for urban growth. With Pune’s rapid expansion, such large-scale transport upgrades are being seen as vital to prevent long-term gridlock and ensure equitable access to mobility for residents across the metropolitan region.
The project has generated considerable interest among urban planners, as it represents a model for balancing infrastructure growth with environmental considerations. By combining elevated highways with planned bypasses and ring-road connectivity, authorities are looking to ensure that Pune grows into a city that prioritises sustainable and inclusive mobility. While the ambitious timeline for completion has not been disclosed, agencies are under pressure to fast-track land surveys and submit acquisition proposals to district authorities. For citizens, the prospect of cutting travel time from two hours to just 20 minutes offers more than convenience—it signals a future where mobility in Pune could be both efficient and environmentally responsible.
