Mumbai-Pune Expressway Expansion Put on Hold Due to Budget Constraints

Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has temporarily postponed the proposed widening of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to financial constraints. The project, estimated at ₹6,000 crore, was not discussed in the state budget session, as the government shifts focus to other major infrastructure developments.

Priority Given to Other Projects

MSRDC officials confirmed that funds are currently being allocated to larger projects, including:

• Pune Ring Road – ₹43,000 crore
• Jalna-Nanded Expressway – ₹24,703 crore
• Nine creek bridges in Konkan – ₹9,000 crore

A senior MSRDC official stated, “While the expansion remains important, our current focus is on high-priority infrastructure projects that require significant investment.”

Rising Traffic & Urgent Need for Expansion

The 94-km expressway, completed in 2002, was initially designed as a six-lane highway. However, the sharp rise in traffic, with nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles commuting daily, has caused frequent congestion and accidents. The proposed expansion to eight lanes aims to ease this burden.

Despite the growing demand, officials indicated that the project currently lacks a definite timeline. “We are balancing multiple infrastructure needs with limited financial resources,” an MSRDC source said.

Experts Warn of Increased Congestion

Transportation experts have raised concerns that delaying the expansion will worsen traffic issues. Urban mobility consultant Megha Shimpi noted, “Each year of delay puts more pressure on an already overloaded expressway.”

Additionally, the opening of the Atal Setu has reduced travel time between Mumbai and Pune, which could lead to even more vehicles on the expressway, further straining infrastructure.

Future Outlook

While MSRDC acknowledges the need for expansion, financial limitations have pushed the project to the back burner. Authorities continue to assess traffic demands and explore alternative solutions to ease congestion. However, until funding is secured, the expressway widening remains on hold indefinitely.