MSRDC Proposes Rs 6,800 Crore Plan to Expand Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Eight Lanes

Mumbai, 26th December 2024: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a crucial link between Mumbai and Pune, is facing increasing congestion due to the growing number of vehicles, according to a Loksatta report. To address safety concerns and accommodate the rising traffic, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has proposed an expansion to eight lanes. The project proposal has been submitted to the state government and is awaiting approval.

Initially conceived in 1990, the expressway aimed to reduce travel time between the two cities, as the older British-era highway was becoming insufficient for the increasing traffic. MSRDC began construction in 1998 following a tender process in 1997, completing the 94.5-kilometre stretch in 2002. This significantly reduced travel time from four to five hours to just two to two-and-a-half hours. In 2009, the expressway was named after Yashwantrao Chavan, Maharashtra’s first Chief Minister, and it has since become one of India’s busiest highways.

Currently, the expressway handles approximately 155,000 vehicles daily, making it the state’s busiest route. However, the existing six-lane infrastructure struggles to manage the traffic volume, leading to frequent congestion and accidents. MSRDC’s proposed eight-lane expansion aims to alleviate these issues, ensuring smoother and safer travel.

The expansion is estimated to cost ₹6,800 crore and will be executed in two phases. Phase one involves widening the roads and bridges, while phase two focuses on expanding the tunnels. Land acquisition for the first phase is already complete, simplifying the commencement of construction. Acquisition for the second phase is expected to proceed smoothly. If approved, the project is anticipated to take around three years to complete, with an expected finish date of 2028-29.

The detailed proposal, submitted to the state government in February 2024, is still awaiting approval, causing delays. MSRDC is actively following up with the government, hoping the new administration will expedite the process. The estimated funding requirement is ₹6,080 crore, with two financing options under consideration: a budgetary allocation by the state government or an extension of the toll collection period on the expressway.

MSRDC remains optimistic that once approved, the project will transform the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, offering commuters a safer and more efficient travel experience.