Pune-Satara Travel Time to Reduce to One Hour Under Rs 6,000 Crore NHAI Master Plan
Pune, 25th May 2026: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prepared a ₹6,000 crore master plan to reduce traffic congestion on the Pune-Bengaluru highway and improve connectivity between Pune and Satara. Officials said the proposed infrastructure projects are expected to bring down travel time between the two cities to nearly one hour.
Traffic congestion on the Pune stretch of the highway has become a persistent problem in recent years, prompting authorities to undertake major infrastructure upgrades, including elevated corridors, flyovers and service roads.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently inspected the highway and directed officials to expedite the proposed projects, following which the process has gained momentum.’
As part of the plan, a six-lane elevated highway has been proposed between Ravet and Jambhulwadi. A detailed project report (DPR) for the elevated corridor has already been prepared and sent to the NHAI headquarters in Delhi for approval. Officials said the proposal is likely to receive clearance next month.
Several flyovers and underpasses have already been constructed along the Pune-Bengaluru highway up to Satara, while additional structures are proposed at key congestion points. Authorities believe these measures will significantly improve traffic flow on the route.
Officials also said that the new tunnel at Khambatki Ghat has been completed, and full-scale traffic movement through the tunnel is expected to begin soon. The tunnel is likely to reduce travel time between Pune and Satara by 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, repair work on pothole-ridden stretches of the highway is currently underway. Authorities are also carrying out road-leveling work to ensure smoother travel before the onset of the monsoon.
At present, the highway has asphalt service roads on both sides with a width of 5.5 metres. NHAI now plans to construct concrete service roads between Khed Shivapur and Dehu Road, widening them to 10.5 metres. The upgraded four-lane service roads are expected to divert local village traffic away from the main carriageway, thereby reducing congestion and improving vehicle speed on the highway.
