The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is preparing a major expansion of the old Mumbai-Pune highway, with a proposal to increase its capacity from four lanes to six. The project is estimated to require an investment of Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 6,000 crore and is aimed at managing rising traffic volumes while strengthening connectivity between the two metropolitan regions.
The proposed upgrade comes amid rapid residential, commercial and industrial growth across Karjat, Neral, Khopoli, Patalganga and other areas within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune Metropolitan Region. Improved road access is expected to support developing townships, industrial hubs and increasing transportation requirements along the corridor.
MSRDC has initiated the process of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to assess the technical specifications, construction requirements and financial viability of the expansion. Although the highway is owned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), MSRDC holds the toll collection rights until 2035.
Officials indicated that toll revenue could help recover the proposed investment. An extension of the existing toll collection arrangement by another 10 to 15 years is among the possibilities being considered, although the financial framework has not yet been finalised.
The project may also involve modifications to the existing alignment and the development of additional connecting roads. Special attention is expected to be given to the Lonavala and Khandala ghat stretches, where congestion frequently slows traffic. Final construction plans will be decided after the DPR is completed.
Highway Expansion and Regional Development
The approximately 150–156 km route was originally developed as a two-lane road before being upgraded to four lanes. Following the opening of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway between 1995 and 1999, much of the intercity traffic shifted to the newer route. The old highway was subsequently incorporated into National Highway 48 in 2010.
The proposed widening could further improve access to industrial centres such as Taloja and Patalganga MIDC, potentially supporting manufacturing, services and employment. However, environmental concerns have emerged over construction through the ecologically sensitive Sahyadri region, with calls to protect vegetation and wildlife.
MSRDC has floated a tender to appoint a consultant for the DPR. Separately, a proposal to expand the existing six-lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway to 10 lanes has also been submitted to the Maharashtra government.
Source: Mumbai Live
