India’s first access-controlled expressway connecting Mumbai and Pune is poised for a significant transformation as plans are set in motion to expand the high-traffic corridor into a ten-lane highway. Spearheaded by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project is estimated at ₹14,260 crore and aims to decongest one of the busiest intercity routes in the country, improve road safety, and foster regional connectivity.
The expressway, operational since 2002, currently features six lanes and stretches nearly 95 kilometres. Originally designed for far lower traffic volumes, it now handles an average of over 65,000 vehicles on weekdays and more than 1 lakh during weekends and holidays. With the number of vehicles increasing by 5–6% annually, this expansion has become a pressing necessity. A comprehensive project report outlining the expansion strategy has already been prepared by the MSRDC. The proposal will soon be presented to the Maharashtra state cabinet for approval. Once cleared, the project will advance into its execution phase in multiple stages, keeping disruption to ongoing traffic to a minimum.
The upgrade involves adding two new lanes in each direction, converting the six-lane expressway into a ten-lane corridor. The expanded expressway will be designed not just for greater vehicle capacity, but also for improved structural resilience, efficient traffic flow, and enhanced safety systems. This includes the integration of emergency lanes, smart surveillance, and quicker incident response mechanisms. While the proposed expansion is large in scale, land acquisition challenges are expected to be minimal. A significant portion of the land adjacent to the current expressway alignment is already under MSRDC ownership. Only a few critical land parcels, particularly near tunnel and ghat sections, will need to be acquired. This foresight in corridor planning is expected to accelerate implementation.
Authorities are simultaneously fast-tracking work on the “missing link”—a 13-kilometre stretch in the Khandala Ghat area designed to bypass steep turns and slopes. Once completed, this segment is projected to reduce travel time by up to 25 minutes and improve vehicular safety, especially during monsoons. This ghat bypass, expected by end-2025, complements the broader expansion plan. Transport officials have confirmed that the funding for the expressway upgrade will come from toll revenues. Currently, the expressway operates on a toll model, and while no immediate hike has been announced, any increase will be assessed in line with the project’s cost-recovery mechanisms. The possibility of adopting a public-private partnership (PPP) model is also being evaluated to share financial and operational responsibilities.
Beyond commuter convenience, the expanded expressway is expected to boost Maharashtra’s economic growth. Improved connectivity between Mumbai and Pune enhances trade flows, promotes industrial development, and supports the logistics and warehousing sectors situated along the corridor. It also benefits tourism by ensuring seamless access to popular destinations in the Sahyadri region. However, concerns persist over environmental implications. With the expansion moving closer to ecologically sensitive ghat zones, officials are expected to carry out detailed environmental impact assessments and secure all necessary approvals. Experts advocate for sustainable design interventions—such as green noise barriers, rainwater harvesting systems, and dedicated EV charging lanes—so the corridor can align with state and national climate goals.
Urban mobility experts argue that while adding lanes is a response to increasing demand, the long-term solution must include an integrated transport vision. Dedicated lanes for buses and electric vehicles, smart traffic regulation, and efficient urban-rural connectivity will help prevent induced demand and future congestion. The expressway, they say, should evolve into a model of climate-resilient, commuter-centric infrastructure. As the project moves toward formal cabinet clearance, key stakeholders in Pune and Mumbai await clarity on timelines, cost-sharing, and coordination between civic bodies and state agencies. Commuters, especially those from emerging townships and industrial clusters along the route, are keen to see timely delivery of the promised improvements without steep toll increases.
This expansion marks a strategic upgrade for one of India’s most vital economic corridors. With the right execution and planning safeguards, the ten-lane Mumbai–Pune Expressway can redefine regional road mobility, ensuring that infrastructure growth is inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.
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