Mumbai-Pune Expressway Set for Major 10-Lane Upgrade to Ease Traffic Congestion

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced a significant plan to expand the Mumbai-Pune Expressway into a 10-lane superhighway. This move aims to tackle the increasing traffic congestion on this crucial route. Originally proposed as an eight-lane upgrade, the revised plan will now cost approximately ₹1,420 crores, as revealed by MSRDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Anilkumar Gaikwad. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being finalized and will soon be submitted to the state government for approval.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, inaugurated in 2002, was India’s first access-controlled expressway and spans 94.6 km. It connects Mumbai with Pune, a major industrial and educational hub, and handles nearly 65,000 vehicles on weekdays and over 1 lakh during weekends. Due to an annual traffic growth of 5–6%, weekend travel time can extend by an hour, prompting the urgent need for this upgrade. Currently, the drive takes about two hours under normal conditions but increases significantly during peak hours.

The total cost of the widening project is estimated at ₹14,260 crores, with construction alone expected to cost ₹8,440 crores. MSRDC plans to fund the project using toll revenues instead of relying on government funds. The final financing model—either Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) or annuity—is yet to be decided. Gaikwad confirmed, “We will bank on toll collection,” indicating a self-sustaining approach to the expansion.

Given the increasing traffic and strategic importance of the expressway, the expansion is seen as essential for long-term infrastructure resilience. The current toll collection contract remains valid until 2045, but MSRDC may seek an extension if the 10-lane upgrade is approved. Once completed, the upgraded expressway is expected to significantly ease congestion, reduce travel times, and improve the efficiency of one of India’s most critical transportation corridors.

The MSRDC's initiative to transform the Mumbai-Pune Expressway into a 10-lane superhighway underscores the commitment to modernizing and enhancing India's infrastructure. This project not only addresses immediate traffic issues but also sets the stage for sustainable development in the region. With a self-funded model, the project aims to ensure long-term financial viability and continuous improvement in transportation infrastructure.