The Mumbai-Pune Expressway expansion scheme has been deferred as the state government is emphasising other top-priority infrastructure schemes. The project was done to decongest traffic and facilitate better connectivity between the two metros. But authorities have chosen to put the project on the back burner because of funding issues and the presence of other major road and metro projects under progress.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Expansion: Project Status And Reasons For Delay
The expansion of the Mumbai-Pune expressway was to decongest bottlenecks, mainly during peak travelling hours and festivity seasons. The plan was to expand the existing six-lane expressway to accommodate more traffic of motor vehicles. Officials have now postponed the expansion, however, as a priority has been given to projects such as the Mumbai Coastal Road, the Pune Metro, and other highway projects.
Another significant reason for the delay is land acquisition hurdles, which have impeded the process. The authorities are also prioritising the development of alternative roads, such as the Mumbai-Goa Highway and Pune Ring Road, to share traffic better.
The decision to stop the expansion of the expressway may result in longer travel hours for commuters, especially on weekends and holidays when traffic is at its worst. Frequent travellers on the route have complained of frequent bottlenecks, especially around Lonavala and Khandala.
To handle the congestion, authorities are making temporary adjustments, including improved monitoring of traffic, upgrading toll booths, and smart traffic management systems. In addition, alternative routes are being encouraged to lighten the load on the expressway.
Also Read: Northeast To Get Its First Expressway From Guwahati To Panchgram, All You Need To Know
What’s The Future Of The Mumbai-Pune Expressway?
Despite the temporary halt, the government ensures that the Mumbai-Pune Expressway expansion remains on the government’s long-term agenda for infrastructure projects. Once issues of money and land acquisition are resolved, the project can be pushed forward.
Meanwhile, the state remains committed to building highway networks and urban transport infrastructure to improve overall connectivity in Maharashtra. With the growing density of vehicles and rising intercity travel, the necessity of expressway development is apparent.
Although delays will be inconvenient, commuters and transport planners alike would hope that the government would consider the project soon and work on the required upgrades.
The question remains—when will this much-needed expansion finally take shape?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation)
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