A Plan to Develop a New Expressway Adjacent to Mumbai-Pune Expressway is Underway

A plan to construct a new expressway adjacent to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is now underway. The first phase of this project will stretch from JNPA (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority) to Chowk (Karjat). The highway will later extend from Chowk towards Pune and eventually reach Bengaluru.

A detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared and sent to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for final approval.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway's Success and Upcoming Development

The Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, operational for 22 years, connects Mumbai to Pune quickly. It passes through Khopoli and Khalapur, eventually leading to Pune’s outer city limits via Khandala. However, a new expressway is soon expected to run parallel to the existing one, offering additional connectivity.

Future Direction

This new expressway will cross over the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway and then turn southwards. Although the project is aimed at establishing a Mumbai-Bengaluru route, its starting point will be the JNPA, which adds a unique feature to the new highway. This development is under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Anshumani Srivastava, Regional General Manager of NHAI, confirmed that even though this expressway will link Mumbai and Bengaluru, it will commence at JNPA.

Comprehensive Planning

In addition, NHAI is planning another expressway from Pune to Bengaluru. Questions about the impact of this new highway on the proposed expressway will be addressed in subsequent updates. The first segment of the new road, a 32 km stretch from JNPA to Chowk, will be constructed by the Mumbai division. The DPR for this section is complete and has been submitted to the ministry for approval. Once approved, the tender process will begin. The highway will extend from Pune to Bengaluru, making it a full Mumbai-Bengaluru corridor, with the key distinction of starting from JNPA rather than Panvel.

A 14-Lane Mega Project

This new expressway will consist of 14 lanes, and the project is estimated to cost ₹17,000 crore, according to NHAI sources.

Route and Environmental Considerations

The proposed route will pass behind Karnala Sanctuary, through Chirner, and connect to major points such as Apta, Chavane, Washivali, Vayal, Asoti, and Tungav. This new path will cross the Navi Mumbai International Airport road, the Goa Highway, and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, finally joining the old Mumbai-Pune Highway near Chirner.