Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is on the cusp of submitting a proposal for the expansion of the Pune-Mumbai Expressway from six to eight lanes to the state government. This strategic move aims to alleviate the mounting traffic congestion on this vital route.
According to Rajesh Patil, Chief Engineer at MSRDC, the plan involves adding an additional lane on each side of the expressway to better manage the traffic load. Presently, the expressway boasts six lanes, divided equally for traffic heading towards Mumbai and Pune. The proposed enhancement entails extending the expressway by one lane on both sides.
The MSRDC has estimated the total project cost, inclusive of construction and land acquisition, to be approximately Rs 5,000 crore. The acquisition of land, particularly for the construction of eight new tunnels, is projected to amount to around Rs 800 crore. Notably, two tunnels are planned on each side of Madap, Bhatan, and Kamshet (tunnels 1 and 2).
Currently accommodating between 60,000 to 70,000 vehicles daily, with numbers surging to 90,000 on weekends, the expressway experiences substantial traffic flow. The introduction of additional lanes is poised to significantly enhance the ease of travel along the expressway. If the state government approves the proposal, the project will likely unfold in two phases. The first phase will involve road widening, slated for completion by 2026, while the second phase will encompass the construction of tunnels.
This eight-laning proposal comes two decades after the expressway’s initial completion in 2002. The exponential growth in vehicular movement, witnessing a year-on-year traffic growth rate of 5%, underscores the urgency for expansion. The endeavor aims to enhance connectivity and streamline travel for commuters between Pune and Mumbai.
Sagar Mohena, a frequent traveler between the two cities, stressed the importance of a comprehensive eight-lane approach. He believes that such an expansion would significantly alleviate traffic conditions. Similarly, Meenal Thakur, a resident of Mumbai who frequently visits Pune, expressed optimism about the proposed addition of two lanes. She noted that it holds the potential to alleviate traffic and enhance the overall travel experience.
As MSRDC prepares to present the eight-laning proposal, the potential impact on regional traffic dynamics and the seamless intercity journey between Pune and Mumbai remains a topic of keen anticipation.
