In a key development for Maharashtra’s infrastructure, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that a new highway will be built between Mumbai and Pune. Once complete, the travel time between the two cities will be cut down to just 1.5 hours. The move is expected to benefit commuters, logistics operators, and industries operating in this high-traffic corridor.
Massive Infrastructure Investments Around Pune
While speaking at the Lokmanya Tilak National Award ceremony in Pune, Gadkari revealed that infrastructure works worth ₹2 lakh crore are currently being undertaken around the city. He acknowledged the difficulty in acquiring land for the expansion of Pune airport but reiterated the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in the region.
Timeline and Scope of Road Projects
Gadkari reaffirmed an earlier promise that the Centre would invest ₹50,000 crore in road and highway projects in Pune district. Key announcements included:
- A foundation-laying ceremony for ₹15,000 crore worth of projects within the next 15 days
- An additional ₹50,000 crore worth of projects to begin by December
- Feasibility studies underway for ₹15,000 crore more in roadworks
These initiatives aim to improve not just regional travel but also freight and industrial movement across the state.
Tender Rejection and State Execution
Gadkari also shared that a private company had quoted ₹3,600 crore for constructing the Mumbai-Pune highway, but the offer was deemed too expensive and ultimately rejected. The state government will now take charge of the project, a move aimed at cost savings and faster execution.
Long-Term Economic Impact
The new highway is expected to:
- Drastically reduce congestion on the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Cut current travel times from up to five hours to just 90 minutes
- Unlock economic opportunities along the corridor
- Improve last-mile connectivity to key industrial and commercial hubs
Atal Setu: A Vision Realised
During his speech, Gadkari also mentioned the origin story of the Atal Setu bridge, which was conceptualized during his earlier term as a cabinet minister and later implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The new Mumbai-Pune highway stands as another milestone in India’s infrastructure transformation journey.
