Pune’s Infrastructure Boom: 8 Major Connectivity Projects That Are Set to Transform Travel Within Next 1-3 Years

Pune and its surrounding regions are on the brink of a major transformation with several long-awaited infrastructure projects finally gaining momentum. From new expressways to international airports, these developments promise to ease congestion, reduce travel time, and boost economic growth. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming connectivity enhancements.

1. Pune Ring Road: A Long-Awaited Solution to Traffic Woes

The Pune Ring Road, first proposed in 1997 and formally announced in 2016, is now making tangible progress. This 170-km road will connect 83 villages and integrate key highways, including Pune-Ahmednagar, Pune-Solapur, Pune-Bengaluru, Pune-Nashik, and Pune-Mumbai. The project is divided into two major segments:

• Eastern Segment: Stretching from Urse (Mumbai-Pune Expressway) to Sortapwadi (Pune-Solapur Road), the length has been revised to 72.33 km, with an increased budget of ₹19,932.98 crore.
• Western Segment: Extending from Urse to Varve Budruk (Satara Road), this section has seen its cost increase from ₹12,176 crore to ₹22,778.05 crore.

Despite challenges such as land acquisition and rising costs, authorities have accelerated progress. Local leaders, including MLA Siddharth Shirole, have urged for its swift completion, recognizing its role in reducing congestion and promoting urban development.

2. Pune’s Inner Ring Road: Strengthening Citywide Connectivity

The Pune Inner Ring Road, spearheaded by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), aims to improve connectivity across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Spanning 83.12 km across 44 villages, this ₹14,200 crore project will include 17 bridges, 10 tunnels, and a dedicated metro corridor. With land acquisition in full swing and a budget allocation of ₹113 crore for the first phase, the project is expected to significantly divert heavy traffic from city roads, improving commuting efficiency.

3. Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link: A Game Changer for Commuters

A long-awaited upgrade to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is nearing completion, set to reduce travel time by 20-25 minutes. The “Missing Link” project will realign the expressway, shortening the existing 19-km stretch to just 13.3 km. Key highlights include:

• Maharashtra’s first cable-stayed highway, featuring a 180-meter bridge bypassing the Khandala Ghat.
• Two four-lane tunnels, measuring 8.87 km and 1.67 km, designed to ease congestion and reduce accident-prone spots.
• 98% of tunneling work is complete, with final touches being expedited.

This development will improve safety, cut fuel costs, and minimize monsoon disruptions, ensuring a smoother journey between Mumbai and Pune.

4. Navi Mumbai International Airport: A New Gateway for Pune Travelers

Slated to open in May 2025, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will revolutionize air travel for Mumbai and Pune residents. The airport, spanning 1,160 hectares, features two parallel runways and an initial passenger capacity of 20 million annually.

For Pune travelers, NMIA will become a viable alternative to Pune International Airport. With the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and other road expansions set to be completed by June 2025, the travel time from Pune to NMIA will be reduced to 90 minutes, making it a more accessible option than even Pune Airport for residents of Hinjewadi, Baner, and Wakad.

5. New Elevated Corridors to Link Mumbai-Pune Expressway and MTHL

By 2027, two elevated corridors will seamlessly link the Mumbai-Pune Expressway with MTHL, ensuring efficient traffic dispersal. The ₹1,100 crore project includes:

• A 4.95-km elevated stretch from Chirle to Gavan Phata.
• A 1.7-km corridor from Palaspe Phata to the expressway.

This initiative will significantly cut congestion on NH-348 and NH-48, making travel between Mumbai and Pune faster and smoother.

6. Expressway to Link JNPT, Atal Setu, and Old Mumbai-Pune Highway

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a ₹3,700 crore expressway project to improve connectivity between Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. This 30-km expressway will link Pagote (near JNPT) to Chauk Junction, integrating seamlessly with major highways. The corridor is expected to reduce travel time between MTHL and the Goa Highway to just 20-30 minutes, significantly easing congestion in Navi Mumbai and Panvel.

7. Pune-Bengaluru Expressway: Cutting Travel Time by Half

A major highlight among upcoming projects is the Pune-Bengaluru Expressway, which will slash travel time between the two cities from 15 hours to just 7 hours. This 700-km expressway, estimated at ₹50,000 crore, is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase 2 and will allow speeds of up to 120 km/h. Once completed by 2028, this expressway will offer a faster alternative to NH-48, improving logistics and boosting regional trade.

8. Purandar International Airport: A Long-Term Vision

The Purandar International Airport project, envisioned as Pune’s second airport, is expected to become operational by 2029. Land acquisition is set to commence soon, marking the beginning of this ambitious initiative that aims to further enhance Pune’s air connectivity.

A New Era of Connectivity for Pune and Beyond

These upcoming projects represent a major leap forward in Pune’s infrastructure development. From expressways and ring roads to world-class airports, these enhancements will not only reduce travel time but also fuel economic growth, improve safety, and support regional expansion. As construction progresses, Pune residents can look forward to a better-connected, more efficient future.