After completing the expansion of the Pune-Mumbai Expressway to 10 lanes, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has initiated plans to upgrade the older Pune-Mumbai Highway by widening it from four lanes to six lanes.
The state agency has begun preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed expansion, which is estimated to require an investment of around Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 6,000 crore. The project cost is expected to be recovered through toll revenue, which may lead to an extension of the existing toll collection period beyond its current approval until 2035.
Officials are considering extending the toll period by another 10 to 15 years to recover the expenditure incurred on the widening project.
The proposed upgrade is likely to include new road connections, improvements in existing alignments and modifications at key sections to ensure smoother traffic flow. Special focus will be given to easing congestion and reducing travel time along the Lonavla and Khandala ghat sections, where vehicle movement often slows due to challenging terrain. The existing four-lane highway will be expanded into a six-lane corridor, with alignment changes wherever required.
MSRDC has appointed a consultant to prepare the DPR for the project. “The exact scope and design of the project will be finalised after the DPR is completed,” said Rahul Vasaikar, superintendent engineer, MSRDC.
The Pune-Mumbai Highway holds historical importance as it was originally developed during British rule to connect Mumbai with the Deccan Plateau through the Bor Ghat route. Later, it was designated as National Highway 4 and served as the primary link between Mumbai and Pune until the Yashwantrao Chavan Pune-Mumbai Expressway was opened.
In 2010, the highway was brought under the National Highway 48 (NH-48) network. Stretching approximately 150 to 156 km, the route began as a two-lane road before being upgraded to four lanes due to increasing traffic volumes. MSRDC currently oversees its maintenance.
The proposed six-laning project aims to improve connectivity between Maharashtra’s two major cities and enhance road capacity amid rising passenger and freight movement.
Source: Swarajya
