The Maharashtra government has approved a major expansion of highway infrastructure between Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, clearing multiple new road links aimed at reducing congestion, improving freight movement, and strengthening regional connectivity. The decision, taken during a recent infrastructure committee meeting, is expected to reshape mobility across one of the state’s busiest industrial belts over the next three years.
Under the approved package, the state will construct a six-lane elevated corridor alongside a four-lane surface road on a 53-kilometre stretch between Pune and Shirur on the national highway that continues towards Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Officials noted that the dual-layer design is meant to separate local and through traffic, easing chronic bottlenecks caused by industrial clusters and expanding logistics operations in the region. According to senior government representatives, the project timeline of three years has been set to minimise long-term disruption for commuters and businesses. A joint team from the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation and the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Board will lead construction of the elevated section. The plan includes a viaduct structure over part of the stretch, enabling space for both a surface road and potential future mass-transit integration. Transport planners said such multi-use corridors can reduce land acquisition needs and help cities transition towards lower-carbon mobility systems when metro or electric bus infrastructure is incorporated later.
In parallel, the state has cleared the development of six-lane roads connecting Shendra Industrial Estate, Bidkin Industrial Area, and Dhoregaon in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. These links form a critical part of the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), supporting industrial growth while improving last-mile access for freight. A new Greenfield alignment connecting Karmad’s DMIC node to the Samruddhi Expressway via Bidkin has also been approved to strengthen the region’s long-term logistics capacity. Officials acknowledged ongoing commuter difficulties on existing roads, particularly the deteriorating section between Ahilyanagar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Immediate repair work has been directed to ensure safe travel while new construction begins. Authorities have also instructed district teams to fast-track land acquisition for more than 50 kilometres of upcoming six-lane development across Bidkin and Shendra.
Urban mobility experts noted that while new highways can improve short-term travel efficiency, long-term sustainability will depend on integrating greener transport options and designing corridors that reduce dependence on private vehicles. Expanding industrial regions around Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar continue to attract investment, making safe, inclusive, and low-emission transport systems increasingly important for future urban planning. The newly approved projects are expected to ease travel times, support economic activity, and prepare the wider region for future urban and industrial expansion, provided that construction is executed on schedule and linked with environmentally responsible mobility planning.
Maharashtra Sanctions Two Highway Upgrades Strengthening Pune To Sambhajinagar Transport Corridor
