Mumbai-Pune Expressway Connector Nears Completion, Set to Open by December – Expressway to Expand to 10 Lanes
Mumbai, Maharashtra – In a major boost for commuters traveling between Mumbai and Pune, the much-anticipated 13-km Mumbai-Pune Expressway connector is nearing completion and is expected to open by December 2025. This new link will significantly reduce travel time by bypassing the congested Lonavala-Khandala ghat section, while the Mumbai-Pune Expressway itself is set to be widened from six to ten lanes to further ease traffic congestion.
New 13-Km Connector to Bypass Ghat Traffic
The upcoming Mumbai-Pune Expressway connector, starting at Khopoli and ending near Sinhgad Institute in Pune, will provide a smoother and safer alternative to the existing winding ghat roads. Currently, the 19-km stretch between Khopoli and Sinhgad Institute is notorious for heavy traffic jams and frequent accidents due to its narrow lanes and sharp turns.
Once operational, the 13-km bypass will allow motorists to skip the accident-prone ghat section, drastically improving travel efficiency. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which is executing the project, has confirmed that construction is in its final stages.
‘Missing Link’
— Manuj Jindal (@manujjindalIAS) July 12, 2025
Hon. CM and DCM inspection today.
🕑 2 P.M.
Work in progress 🏗️ pic.twitter.com/Sr1Pb3z7gs
Why This Connector Matters
- Reduces travel time between Mumbai and Pune.
- Avoids the congested Lonavala-Khandala ghat, a major bottleneck.
- Enhances road safety by diverting traffic from accident-prone zones.
- Supports future traffic growth, especially with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of India’s busiest highways, handles 75,000 vehicles daily, with weekend traffic peaking at 1.2 lakh vehicles. In 2024 alone, the expressway recorded 191 accidents, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Expansion: 6 to 10 Lanes
In a parallel development, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is set for a massive upgrade, expanding from six to ten lanes at an estimated cost of ₹14,000 crore. The MSRDC has prepared a proposal for the expansion, which will soon be submitted to the Maharashtra state cabinet for approval.
Key Benefits of the 10-Lane Expansion
✔ Reduced Traffic Congestion: Additional lanes will ease bottlenecks, especially during peak hours and weekends.
✔ Improved Road Safety: Wider lanes and modern safety features will lower accident risks.
✔ Faster Travel: Smoother traffic flow will cut travel time between the two cities.
✔ Economic Boost: Enhanced connectivity will benefit trade, tourism, and regional development.
The 94.5-km expressway, India’s first access-controlled highway, connects two of Maharashtra’s most important economic hubs. However, rising vehicle numbers have led to frequent jams, prompting the need for expansion.
Project Timeline & Challenges
- Land acquisition surveys are underway to finalize technical requirements.
- Construction will proceed in phases after government approval.
- Toll charges may increase post-expansion to fund the project.
A Game-Changer for Mumbai-Pune Commuters
With the new 13-km connector set to open by December 2025 and the 10-lane expansion in the pipeline, travel between Mumbai and Pune is poised to become safer, faster, and more efficient. These upgrades will not only benefit daily commuters but also boost logistics, tourism, and economic growth in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as Maharashtra gears up for a transformative road infrastructure overhaul.
