NHAI Gives Nod To Third Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Travel Time To Shrink To Just 90 Minutes

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 15:26 IST

The proposed corridor is expected to significantly ease traffic load and provide a faster, safer and more efficient route for passenger and freight movement

In a major infrastructure push aimed at transforming inter-city travel, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of a third Mumbai-Pune express corridor that is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to nearly 90 minutes.

The ambitious greenfield highway project is estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore and is being seen as a long-term solution to mounting traffic congestion on the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway.

The proposed corridor will run from Atal Setu-Chowk-Pune-Shirwal, covering nearly 130 kilometres. According to officials, a detailed project report for nearly 30 kilometres of the route has already been prepared, while consultancy work for the remaining stretch is underway. Tenders for appointing consultants to prepare the comprehensive project report and conduct feasibility assessments have already been invited, with the bidding process expected to move ahead shortly.

Sources said NHAI has set June 24 as the deadline for the tender process, after which contractor appointments and technical clearances are expected to be fast-tracked. Preliminary surveys and route inspection work are likely to begin later this year.

The project has gained urgency as traffic pressure on the Mumbai-Pune corridor has risen sharply over the past few years due to rapid urban expansion, industrial growth, the operationalisation of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and increasing movement towards the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Officials noted that both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old national highway are nearing saturation, especially during weekends, long holidays and peak travel periods. The proposed third corridor is expected to significantly ease traffic load and provide a faster, safer and more efficient route for passenger and freight movement.

The expressway is also expected to improve regional connectivity by linking key growth centres across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune and adjoining industrial belts. Experts believe the corridor will strengthen Maharashtra’s logistics network and support future transport demand driven by economic expansion.

Once completed, the project is expected to reduce travel delays, lower fuel consumption and improve overall commuting efficiency. For daily travellers and commercial transport operators, the new corridor could prove to be a gamechanger, reinforcing Maharashtra’s position as a leader in large-scale transport infrastructure development.

News india NHAI Gives Nod To Third Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Travel Time To Shrink To Just 90 Minutes

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