Recently, a social media post went viral showing unusual traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, where vehicles were stuck for hours. Now, in a big relief has been announced for commuters! Maharashtra is working on major road upgrades to make travel smoother for daily travellers and long-distance drivers, and one of the biggest upgrades focuses on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. Scroll down for more details.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway To Get Four New Lanes
The existing six-lane Mumbai–Pune Expressway is set to be expanded with four additional lanes. The Maharashtra government has taken this decision to reduce traffic congestion and give commuters a faster and safer driving experience. The project is expected to cost around ₹14,260 crore, reported The Free Press Journal.
A senior official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed that the proposal for this work is almost ready. The final call for the lane expansion project will be taken by the state government. Once the proposal receives approval, authorities will begin the tendering process. If everything moves as planned, the new lanes will be ready by 2030.
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More About This Lane Expansion Project
According to The Free Pres Journal, out of the total cost of ₹14260 crore, the state government is likely to contribute 40 per cent. The rest will come from the private infrastructure company that wins the tender. To manage these costs, the toll-collection period on the expressway will also be extended beyond April 30, 2045. This extension will come into effect once the government approves the expansion plan.
Another amazing news for Mumbai-Pune Expressway commuters is that the long-awaited “missing link” project is almost near completion. The missing link is a 13.3-km stretch that will bypass the busy and often risky Khandala and Lonavla ghat sections. With the new projects planned for the expressway, the Maharashtra government is trying their best to reduce traffic and make travelling easier.
How excited are you for the four new lanes on the expressway? Tell us in the comments!
Also Read: Mumbai–Pune Highway Turns Into Standstill As Map Shows Red Zone; Netizens: ‘Traffic Festival’
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Planemad