Building Pune: Elevated e-way from Pune to Sambhajinagar to expedite travel by 2 hrs

Pune-to-Shirur section approved by state, to be built by MSIDC

The project is expected to provide faster travel between Pune and Sambhajinagar, addressing the current high traffic volumes and congestion on the existing highway, which slow down travel. (File)

After reducing travel time between Pune and Mumbai via the expressway, the Maharashtra government has initiated the process to reduce travel time between Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The government is now building a 53.40-km six-lane elevated highway corridor from Pune city to Shirur, which is part of the proposed six-lane access–controlled Greenfield Expressway. This expressway will connect Pune with Sambhajinagar and further on to Samruddhi Mahamarg. The expressway is also known as the Greenfield Project.

The Pune-to-Shirur section was recently approved by the state government and will be implemented by Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) at an estimated Rs 5,992 crore, with completion expected in three years.

“The expressway will be developed in two parts: from Pune to Shirur, and then from Shirur to Sambhajinagar. Work on Pune–Shirur section will begin soon,” said an MSIDC official.

The project will reduce travel time between Pune and Sambhajinagar, a highway that is marred by high traffic volume and congestion.

“It will reduce travel time by at least two hours, as it will be elevated and will have limited access points, including one at Ahmednagar,” the official said. Currently it takes about five and a half hours or more to cover the 250 km between Pune and Sambhajinagar.

The proposed highway will pass through Pune, Ahmednagar and Sambhajinagar. The construction of the Pune-Shirur stretch, starting from Wagholi and connecting to the Pune bypass, is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Yerawada, Kharadi, and Wagholi, while also providing connectivity to Haveli, Bhor, and Shirur talukas.

Story continues below this ad

The entire 225 km elevated highway will have access points at Shirur, Ahmednagar, Nevasa, Devgad, Paithan and Sambhajinagar, and will connect to the Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Expressway.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories

Tags:
pune