Pune–Kolhapur Highway Upgrade: Gadkari Promises Major Progress in One Year
Pune, 5th December 2025: The long-pending repair and widening work on the Pune–Kolhapur stretch of the Mumbai–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) is set to gain momentum. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha that the Centre will soon resolve all hurdles and make the entire corridor safer and congestion-free within the next year.
The minister’s assurance came after several MPs raised concerns during the ongoing winter session over the increasing number of accidents near Navale Bridge, deteriorating road conditions, and delays in the project. NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule questioned the government over the prolonged delay, pointing out that thousands of commuters continue to suffer daily due to incomplete works.
Responding to the discussion, Gadkari said the Mumbai–Bengaluru highway is being upgraded under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. He stated that the Pune–Satara section has an approved Detailed Project Report worth ₹6,000 crore, and construction has begun. However, he admitted that progress on the Satara–Kolhapur stretch has been affected by land acquisition challenges and other administrative issues. A review meeting with senior NHAI officials will be convened soon to expedite the process, he added.
Providing updates on the Khambatki Ghat section, Gadkari noted that sharp turns and heavy traffic have often caused bottlenecks in the region. To address this, two new tunnels are being constructed in the ghat area. One of them is in its final phase and will be opened to traffic shortly, offering significant relief to motorists.
The minister reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring smooth, safe, and seamless travel on the Pune–Kolhapur highway within the next year. Once completed, the upgraded corridor is expected to reduce travel time, enhance safety standards, and further improve connectivity across western Maharashtra.
Project Overview:
* Total length of the Pune–Kolhapur corridor: 250 km
• Six-laning of 133 km under the project
• Estimated cost of Pune–Satara stretch: ₹6,000 crore
• Land acquisition hurdles between Satara and Kagal
