NHAI Submits ₹42,000 Crore DPR for New Pune-Bengaluru Highway to Centre
NHAI’s New Highway Plan to Ease Traffic
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) worth ₹42,000 crore to the central government for developing a new Pune-Bengaluru Highway. The proposed greenfield highway aims to reduce traffic congestion on the existing route and enhance connectivity between the two major cities.
The new highway will stretch over 699 kilometres, with 206 kilometres in Maharashtra. Once approved, the six-lane expressway is expected to be completed within three years, allowing vehicles to travel at a speed of up to 120 km/h.
Integration with Pune Ring Road and Other Projects
The new route will be integrated with the upcoming Pune Ring Road, currently being developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The ring road will connect to the new highway at Khopi near Bhor, forming part of the larger network that includes the Urse-Satara stretch on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway.
A final decision on including this section in the greenfield project will be taken after discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Boost to Regional Growth and Infrastructure
According to NHAI officials, the new Pune-Bengaluru Highway will include passenger amenities, logistics parks, and industrial hubs along its route. Plans are underway to develop satellite cities, airstrips, and grade-separated interchanges near Pune and Bengaluru, which will further support economic development in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The highway is also expected to encourage the growth of new industrial estates, airports in emerging areas, and agro-industrial exports.
Land Acquisition and Cost Details
For the Maharashtra section, about 5,000 acres of land will be acquired at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore. The total project cost for the entire 699 km route is approximately ₹42,000 crore, with ₹8,000 crore allocated for constructing the 206 km stretch in Maharashtra.
The project will feature two tunnels in Satara and three in Sangli, while flat terrain near Shirwal eliminates the need for tunnels in that region. The design will include interchanges and underpasses to ensure smooth and safe traffic movement.
Once operational, the new Pune-Bengaluru Highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and create new development corridors across both states.
