In a landmark move aimed at easing one of Pune’s busiest stretches, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a ₹6,000 crore elevated road project from Dehu Road to Narhe along the Mumbai–Bangalore bypass. The long-awaited infrastructure upgrade seeks to address the mounting traffic congestion and accident risks that have plagued the corridor, while simultaneously improving connectivity between Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and rapidly urbanising suburban pockets.
The bypass was originally built to divert intercity traffic from entering Pune city limits and decongesting inner arterial routes. However, over the years, rapid expansion in Baner, Hinjewadi, Pashan, Pimpri Chinchwad and Mulshi has added to the local traffic burden on the same road, leading to frequent bottlenecks. The Narhe stretch, particularly, emerged as a black spot for accidents, with vehicles often losing control on the steep descent from the tunnel to Vadgaon Budhruk.
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Officials have underlined that the elevated road will act as a sustainable alternative, easing vehicular flow while reducing accident hazards. The project, they added, will also serve as a critical step in preparing Pune’s transport ecosystem for the next decade of growth. By diverting long-haul freight and passenger traffic to a safer, grade-separated alignment, the plan is expected to reclaim road space and bring relief to daily commuters in Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation limits.
The elevated design, spanning the Narhe to Dehu Road stretch, is expected to improve average vehicular speed, save fuel and significantly cut travel time for intercity and local travellers. Transport experts suggest that this will not only decongest Pune’s arterial roads but also curb vehicular emissions that currently result from prolonged idling in traffic snarls. The move, they note, resonates with India’s broader climate commitments, positioning urban transport projects as levers for low-carbon growth.
Urban planners also view the project as a key corrective measure for poor road geometry that has long contributed to safety risks. The bypass’ uneven gradient and steep slope near Narhe have been flagged by road safety audits in the past, with recommendations for corrective infrastructure. The elevated alignment is expected to bypass this vulnerable stretch altogether, minimising crash risks.The ₹6,000 crore investment signals a clear intent to strengthen mobility for both Pune and its surrounding industrial corridors. Once completed, the project could transform the bypass into a safer, high-speed corridor aligned with sustainable and equitable city planning goals. However, experts caution that parallel investments in public transport, last-mile connectivity and non-motorised mobility remain essential for building a truly inclusive mobility ecosystem.
