Pune’s long-standing traffic bottleneck on the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway (NH-48) is finally moving toward relief as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) accelerates the expansion of the Warje Bridge and the adjoining service roads. Construction activity on both sides of the bridge has picked up pace, with girders being installed and new road alignments taking shape.
Officials have indicated that the new service roads may open for traffic shortly, easing one of Pune’s most persistent traffic challenges.The infrastructure upgrade aims to address congestion across key stretches connecting Vadgaon Budruk, Narhe, Ambegaon Budruk, and Warje dense residential and commercial zones that witness heavy vehicular pressure daily. The absence of dedicated service roads had long forced local traffic onto the main carriageway, creating severe choke points, particularly during rush hours at the narrow Warje Bridge junction.
According to project engineers, the ongoing construction involves building two parallel bridges and connecting service lanes along both sides of the Mutha River. Once operational, these will add multiple lanes and distribute local and highway traffic efficiently. “Work is progressing swiftly, with a focus on improving connectivity between Warje and Sinhagad,” said an NHAI official overseeing the project.The Warje infrastructure upgrade is part of a broader national effort to modernise key corridors under the Bharatmala Pariyojana framework. The foundation for the project was laid in September 2024, and construction has since continued with an accelerated timeline. The right-side bridge, connecting Vadgaon Budruk to Warje, is targeted for completion by December 2025, while the left-side bridge heading toward Chandni Chowk and Satara is scheduled to finish by March 2026.
Once completed, the dual bridges and adjoining service lanes will drastically improve road capacity, enhance safety, and reduce emissions caused by idling vehicles stuck in traffic jams. Urban mobility experts say that such infrastructure developments, if integrated with green transport systems, can play a significant role in creating low-emission, commuter-friendly cities.The project also underscores the need for a balance between rapid infrastructure growth and sustainable urban planning. As Pune continues to urbanise, expanding highway connectivity must be aligned with last-mile transport access, pedestrian safety, and environmental safeguards to ensure equitable and sustainable growth.Officials have assured that the upgraded Warje corridor will soon bring visible improvements in traffic flow and commute times for both local and intercity travellers. For thousands of daily commuters navigating the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway, the development marks a critical step toward smoother, safer, and more sustainable travel through Pune’s western corridor.
Pune Warje Bridge Expansion Accelerates Service Roads Opening on NH48
