Pune: New 32.4 km Service Road on Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway to Ease Traffic Congestion
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved a 32.4-kilometre service road project from Khed-Shivapur to Ravet in Pune, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety. The two-lane service road, estimated to cost ₹604 crore, is scheduled to begin construction in March 2025.
This initiative addresses the daily traffic load of approximately 2.1 lakh vehicles on the existing highway. The new service road is expected to cut travel time by around 20 minutes, alleviating congestion in key areas such as Narhe, Navale Bridge, Warje, Chandani Chowk, and Ravet.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has completed 90% of the land acquisition for the project, while the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is working on the remaining 10%. The service road will feature two lanes on each side of the highway, with each lane measuring 3.5 metres in width, benefiting at least one lakh vehicles daily.
Key benefits of the project include reduced congestion on the main highway, lower accident rates, improved travel efficiency for smaller vehicles and local commuters, fuel savings, and enhanced overall traffic flow.
NHAI Senior Engineer Subhash Ghante confirmed that the land acquisition process is in its final stages, with the tender process set to follow soon. The project, to be completed within two years of its commencement, will be constructed in three phases:
- Khed-Shivapur to the new Katraj tunnel
- Warje to Balewadi
- Wakad to Ravet
This development is part of a broader strategy to address Pune’s growing traffic issues, particularly in high-congestion areas, by providing an alternative route for local traffic and enhancing road safety along this crucial corridor.
