Pune’s long-delayed highway modernisation effort between the city and Kolhapur has entered a decisive phase, with the Union road transport ministry confirming that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth roughly Rs 6,000 crore has now been prepared. The blueprint, which also covers upgrades along the Pune–Satara corridor, is expected to set the foundation for a safer and more efficient mobility spine across western Maharashtra a region where rising traffic, uneven infrastructure and accident-prone stretches have escalated public concerns.
Officials told Urban Acres that one of the most critical components of the upgrade is the ongoing construction of two new tunnels near Khambatki Ghat, a notoriously difficult segment marked by sharp curves, dense vehicle flow and recurring bottlenecks. One tunnel is nearing completion and will be opened soon, offering smoother gradients and significantly reducing collision risk. The remaining structure continues to progress through its advanced stages of excavation and lining.The ministry has also indicated that works on the 250-km Pune–Kolhapur corridor have been divided strategically to accelerate completion. Six-laning activities are currently underway on more than half the alignment, while service lanes along the western bypass are being rebuilt using central funds to ensure safer access for local communities. An official said the central review scheduled next week will assess land availability, contractor performance and pending environmental clearances.
However, elected representatives have raised concerns over recurring delays, with some pointing out that multiple contractors on the route have previously been blacklisted. Urban planners familiar with the project note that the most persistent bottleneck lies in land acquisition, particularly between Satara and Kagal, where fragmented holdings and compensation disputes have slowed progress. They emphasise that unless these issues are resolved swiftly, construction efficiency will remain constrained, regardless of budget allocation.Safety remains another pressing theme. Accident-prone stretches including the Navale Bridge junction continue to witness heavy congestion during peak travel hours. Experts say that while engineering interventions such as tunnels and wider carriageways are essential, the real impact will come from consistent enforcement, improved lighting, pedestrian-friendly service lanes and resilient design that accommodates both freight movement and everyday commuters.
Given the corridor’s importance for travel towards Bengaluru and southern markets, the stakes are particularly high.For Pune and Kolhapur’s rapidly growing urban regions, the highway upgrade represents more than a transport project; it is a chance to embed safer, climate-resilient and more equitable infrastructure. If executed effectively, the modernised corridor could support regional logistics, reduce travel time, and enhance road safety while encouraging a shift towards inclusive mobility planning across Maharashtra. The coming months will determine whether the renewed push translates into timely results on the ground.
Pune Clears Rs 6000 Crore Highway Upgrade As Khambatki Tunnel Nears Completion
