In a significant move towards bolstering regional connectivity, the Maharashtra Government has granted approval for the ambitious 213 km Pune-Nashik Industrial Highway project. This transformative initiative aims to drastically reduce the travel time between Pune and Nashik from five hours to a mere three hours, marking a pivotal advancement in the State’s infrastructure landscape. Championed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project holds a substantial place within a comprehensive plan to establish a 4,217 km highway network across the state. With an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, the Pune-Nashik expressway is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering industrial growth within Pune, Nagar, and Nashik districts.
Envisioned as a six-lane, access-controlled highway, the Pune-Nashik Expressway is meticulously designed to enhance transportation efficiency between these key cities. Commencing from the Pune Outer Ring Road, the expressway seamlessly integrates with existing road infrastructure, promising a smooth transition for commuters. The route spans through crucial towns such as Rajgurunagar, Chakan, Manchar, Narayangaon, Alephata, Ghargaon, Sangamner, Sinnar, and the renowned Shirdi pilgrimage site. To ensure optimal travel, the expressway is strategically divided into three sections. The initial stage covers 135 km, connecting Pune to Shirdi. The second leg encompasses a 60 km stretch from the Shirdi Interchange to the Nashik-Niphad Interchange, now integrated into the Surat-Chennai Expressway. The final segment, spanning 60 km, links the Nashik-Niphad Interchange to Nashik.
This development is particularly crucial as it completes the missing link in the ‘Golden Triangle’ region, connecting Mumbai, Nashik, and Pune. The Pune-Nashik expressway’s alignment passes through Junner, Ambegaon, Khed in Pune district, Sangamner in Nagar district, and Sinnar in Nashik district. As Maharashtra charts a course towards enhanced connectivity and economic development, the Pune-Nashik Expressway emerges as a beacon of progress, promising not just reduced travel times but a strategic catalyst for regional growth.
