Mumbai-Pune Expressway Set for Major Ten-Lane Upgrade
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a critical artery linking two of Maharashtra’s busiest cities, is poised for a transformative expansion from six to ten lanes to alleviate mounting traffic congestion. This ambitious ₹14,900 crore project by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) seeks to not only enhance commuter experience but also embed sustainable transport solutions within one of India’s busiest expressways.
Spanning 96 kilometres from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai to Kiwale near Pune, the expressway has been instrumental since its inception in 2002. It currently manages over 60,000 vehicles on weekdays, swelling beyond one lakh during weekends, with annual traffic growth of 5 to 6 percent. This steady rise in vehicular volume has stretched the existing infrastructure to its limits, triggering the urgent need for expansion to accommodate future traffic demands. The proposed widening will cover 83 kilometres of the expressway, excluding the Khandala Ghat’s 13-kilometre section which is already undergoing a separate 14-lane widening under the “missing link” project. This bifurcated approach aims to address the most congested segments efficiently while ensuring a comprehensive upgrade across the corridor.
Currently, peak travel times between Mumbai and Pune extend to five hours on busy weekends and holidays, compared to an average two-hour journey on regular days. MSRDC anticipates that the ten-lane expansion will significantly ease bottlenecks, reducing travel time and improving overall traffic flow throughout the week. Such improvements will be vital in supporting economic activities, facilitating smoother logistics, and enhancing commuter safety. Critically, the project aligns with the broader agenda of promoting eco-friendly and sustainable urban transport infrastructure. Expansion plans are expected to integrate advanced traffic management systems, pedestrian-friendly designs, and measures to mitigate vehicular emissions, thus contributing to Maharashtra’s goal of reducing carbon footprints in transport corridors.
This expressway upgrade is more than a capacity enhancement—it is a step towards creating a resilient and equitable transport network that can adapt to rapid urbanisation and evolving mobility needs. By facilitating faster, safer, and cleaner travel between Mumbai and Pune, the project will enhance regional connectivity and support the socio-economic fabric of the state. However, such large-scale infrastructure development must carefully balance expansion with environmental preservation, ensuring minimal disruption to local ecosystems and communities. Sustainable construction practices and inclusive planning will be essential to delivering a future-ready expressway that serves all users equitably.
As Maharashtra undertakes this significant infrastructure leap, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway expansion will be closely watched as a benchmark for sustainable urban transport projects in India. Its success could set the tone for similar endeavours aimed at reconciling growth with green and inclusive urban futures.
