A 135-kilometer, four-lane motorway has been proposed by the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) with the goal of easing traffic in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. The project, which is expected to cost Rs 12,000 crore, will link Shirur, Chakan, Talegaon, Shiroli, Karjat, and JNPT (Uran), giving cars going between Marathwada and Mumbai an alternate route. The state cabinet’s ultimate approval of the idea is still pending.
This new highway is expected to decongest the busy Shikrapur-Chakan-Talegaon-Lonavala corridor, a key industrial route plagued by frequent traffic bottlenecks that cause long delays and increase transportation costs. By creating a faster, more direct connection to Mumbai, the project aims to benefit thousands of daily commuters and businesses dependent on efficient logistics.
According to PWD executive engineer R Y Patil, the project includes four lanes, eight village bypasses, and a tunnel at the Khandala Ghat section, ensuring smoother travel without steep inclines. The estimated budget includes Rs 11,500 crore for land acquisition and Rs 8,500 crore for road construction, with the project being executed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model.
Beyond easing congestion, the highway is expected to spur economic growth by improving connectivity for industries in Shirur, Talegaon, and Karjat, while also benefiting agricultural trade. The project is currently undergoing environmental clearance by the State Environment Impact Assessment Committee to minimise ecological impact.
Once approved, land acquisition is expected to take a year, with construction projected to last two and a half years. The proposal is under review by the State Infrastructure Committee, led by the chief minister, with officials hopeful for swift approval.
The planned highway is expected to improve air quality, road safety, and urban congestion by rerouting heavy traffic away from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. This will boost Maharashtra’s economy.
Source: Trak.In
