Mutha River Bridge on Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway Set to Open Soon

Dhayari, 9th February 2026: Commuters travelling on the Mumbai–Bengaluru National Highway can expect smoother journeys soon, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to open the newly constructed Mutha River bridge near Dhayari within the next three months. Officials said the project has entered its final phase, with efforts intensified to meet the deadline.

Once operational, the bridge is expected to ease chronic congestion on the Pune–Satara stretch, where motorists currently face long delays due to diversions and restricted road width caused by ongoing construction.

According to NHAI officials, nearly 80 percent of the bridge construction on the Mumbai-to-Satara carriageway has been completed. Key structural components, including girders and deck slabs, have already been installed, and the fitting of safety railings is underway.

On the Satara-to-Mumbai side, pillar construction has been completed, and installation of beams is set to begin shortly. Additional manpower and heavy machinery have been deployed to ensure work on both sides progresses simultaneously and remains on schedule.

The Mumbai–Bengaluru highway is one of the busiest corridors in the region, carrying a mix of two-wheelers, private vehicles, buses, and heavy commercial trucks. Temporary traffic arrangements and narrowed lanes have led to frequent bottlenecks, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.

Officials estimate that once the bridge becomes operational, travel time between Pune and Satara could reduce by 20 to 30 minutes. The improvement is expected to benefit daily commuters, Maharashtra State Transport buses, private operators, and goods carriers.

Authorities also noted that current traffic diversions have contributed to a rise in minor accidents, especially involving heavy vehicles navigating tight turns and restricted stretches. The new bridge will feature wider lanes designed to streamline traffic flow and reduce collision risks.

After the bridge is opened to traffic, NHAI will begin additional infrastructure work in the surrounding area. Planned developments include the construction of service roads, installation of traffic signals, road markings, and placement of directional signage to improve overall road management.

Project Officer Onkar Jagdale said most of the construction has been completed and that the remaining work is progressing rapidly. With enhanced deployment of workforce and equipment, authorities are confident of making the bridge operational within the stipulated three-month period.

The project is expected to provide long-awaited relief to thousands of motorists who rely daily on this crucial national highway route.