Maharashtra is set to witness a significant transformation in its road infrastructure following the approval of projects worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore, aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing travel times, and supporting sustainable regional development. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways emphasised that construction will commence within three months and is expected to be completed by 2026.
The flagship initiative includes the new Pune–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar expressway, projected to cost Rs 16,318 crore. Once operational, this expressway will cut travel time between Pune and Sambhajinagar to two hours, while the journey to Nagpur will take approximately two-and-a-half hours. In addition, the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur elevated road project, valued at Rs 4,207 crore, and a parallel expressway to the existing Pune–Mumbai route, estimated at Rs 15,000 crore, will further bolster regional connectivity.
An official from Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation stated that these initiatives aim to reduce congestion, improve freight movement, and enhance the safety and efficiency of travel. “The Pune–Mumbai parallel expressway alone will reduce journey times to just one-and-a-half hours, supporting economic activity and sustainable urban mobility,” the official added.The projects have been designed with a focus on modern engineering standards, elevated corridors to minimise land acquisition impacts, and strategic alignment with urban and industrial growth centres. The Hadapsar–Yavat elevated road is currently in the detailed project report phase, while work on other corridors will begin post-local body elections. Experts note that this Rs 1.50 lakh crore investment reflects a larger trend of prioritising sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development in India. By integrating elevated roads and expressways, the state not only alleviates urban traffic pressure but also promotes more energy-efficient, low-emission transport options compared to conventional road networks. For the Pune region, Rs 50,000 crore has been earmarked to improve intra-city and inter-city connectivity, facilitating faster commuter and freight movement.
The projects are expected to spur economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance accessibility for industrial zones, ports, and emerging smart cities. As Maharashtra accelerates these large-scale infrastructure projects, officials emphasise careful planning to balance environmental impact, urban expansion, and the mobility needs of citizens. The integration of expressways, elevated roads, and parallel corridors represents a holistic approach to modernising transportation infrastructure while supporting sustainable urban development.
Maharashtra Approves Pune Sambhajinagar Expressway Elevated Roads Worth Rs 150000 Crore
