The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is revving up its plans to tackle the chronic congestion on the Pune–Bangalore corridor by proposing a brand-new six-lane greenfield expressway linking the two cities. This ambitious proposal that promises a faster, smoother alternative to the overburdened highway is currently awaiting central government approval.
Pune–Bangalore Expressway to Cut Travel Time to Seven Hours and Boost Regional Growth
Expecting to cost around ₹42,000 crores, this project shall stretch 699 kilometres in total, will cover 206 kilometres within Maharashtra. As per the officials, upon its approval, this expressway will be completed within three years.
The existing Pune–Bangalore highway has been plagued with heavy congestion due to increasing vehicular traffic and industrial development along the corridor and this new greenfield expressway is expected to take off the pressure a little bit from the same.
In Pune, the new expressway will be linked to the Pune Ring Road being developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The ring road will begin at Khopi and include the section between Kelvade on the Urse stretch of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and the Satara Road.
As per the officials, discussions will be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to integrate this section with the proposed greenfield expressway.
Pune–Bangalore Expressway to Redefine Travel
Speeds up to 120 km/hr shall be allowed for vehicles in the new corridor, which would reduce the travel time between Pune and Bangalore to seven hours. There is also a plan within the project to construct a five-kilometre-long emergency airstrip near both cities and connect the route through a grade-separated interchange for smoother traffic movement.
As per the officials, this Pune–Bangalore greenfield expressway is touted to not only decongest the existing route but also go long way in boosting the economic development in the underdeveloped regions along its path, spurring new industrial and logistics opportunities.
Once completed, the project is expected to offer faster, safer, and more efficient travel between two of India’s key technology and industrial hubs.
Summary
A ₹42,000-crore Pune–Bangalore greenfield expressway proposed by the NHAI is set to revolutionize travel between the two tech hubs. A travel time of just seven hours, with promising speeds up to 120 km/hr, the 699-km corridor will ease congestion, spur regional growth, and connect key routes—ushering in a faster, smarter, and more connected future for commuters and industries alike.
