October 27, 2025: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the Mumbai–Pune Expressway from its current eight lanes to a 10-lane corridor by 2030, aiming to tackle increasing congestion and ensure smoother traffic flow.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 14,260 crore, includes a construction cost of Rs 8,440 crore—up by Rs 1,420 crore from earlier estimates. It will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a public-private partnership framework where the government funds 40% of the project while private developers contribute the remaining 60%. Officials noted that this approach combines public accountability with private sector efficiency, a model gaining traction across India’s infrastructure projects.
Commissioned in 2002, the 94.6-kilometre expressway connects Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai to Kiwale near Pune. Currently, it handles about 65,000 vehicles daily on weekdays and more than 100,000 on weekends, with traffic increasing 5–6% annually. While a 13-km “missing link” project in the Khandala Ghat section is already under construction—featuring a 10-lane section—the upcoming expansion will target the remaining stretches of the expressway.
MSRDC officials stated that widening the corridor is the most sustainable way to manage long-term traffic growth. Local representatives, including MLA Mahesh Landge, and frequent commuters have voiced strong support, citing persistent bottlenecks during weekends and holidays.
The agency expects land acquisition to be minimal, limited mainly to small pockets near tunnel sections. With the existing toll contract valid until 2045, MSRDC may seek an extension to ensure financial feasibility. The proposal for the expansion is expected to be submitted after Diwali, with the executing agency likely to be appointed by the end of this financial year or early next year.
Source: Prop News Time
