BLR–Pune–Mumbai Road Trip With FASTag Annual Pass: Route Experience, Traffic & Toll Updates

Motorists planning a long-distance drive between Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai can expect largely smooth highway conditions, but with a few notable bottlenecks and toll-related caveats, according to a recent road trip experience shared by an enthusiast.

A Bengaluru-based traveller who recently drove the entire stretch provided a detailed account of road quality, traffic patterns, and FASTag usage — offering valuable insights for anyone planning a similar journey.

Bengaluru to Pune: Smooth Start, Slower Finish

The drive from Kadugodi in Bengaluru to Kothrud in Pune began early at 5:15 am and concluded around 9 pm the same day. While Karnataka’s highway stretches were described as smooth and stress-free, traffic conditions worsened upon entering Maharashtra.

A major delay was encountered near the under-construction flyover at Karad, where heavy congestion resulted in a 45-minute crawl across a short 3–4 km stretch. Such slowdowns remain common in active construction zones and can significantly impact overall travel time.

Within Pune city limits, traffic congestion added another hour to the journey. The stretch from the new Katraj tunnel to Kothrud proved particularly slow due to dense traffic, frequent rumble strips on downhill sections, and a strictly enforced 40 kmph speed limit.

Pune to Mumbai: A Surprisingly Smooth Run

The return journey from Pune (Kothrud) to Mumbai (Andheri East) on a Sunday morning was notably faster and smoother. With minimal traffic, the drive was completed in approximately 3.5 hours.

One highlight of the journey was driving across the Atal Setu, which was described as an excellent driving experience. However, motorists were advised to strictly adhere to speed limits on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, as the route is heavily monitored with speed cameras to catch overspeeding vehicles.

The return trip from Mumbai to Pune on Monday morning was equally uneventful, with no traffic jams and a similar travel time of around 3.5 hours — a rare instance of successfully avoiding expressway congestion on both legs.

Road Surface Concerns Across States

Despite overall good connectivity, the driver noted noticeable road surface issues along several stretches. Excessive wobbling was felt on the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) between Devanahalli and Dobbaspet, as well as at multiple locations across Karnataka.

In Maharashtra, long highway stretches also felt uneven, causing discomfort despite steady speeds. Whether due to suspension sensitivity or actual road quality, the inconsistent surface was a recurring concern during the journey.

FASTag Annual Pass: What Works and What Doesn’t

The FASTag annual pass functioned smoothly throughout the drive, enabling seamless toll payments across most national highways. However, an important limitation remains for long-distance travellers.

Tolls on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and the Atal Setu are not covered under the FASTag annual pass, requiring motorists to pay separately at these locations. Drivers planning routes that include premium expressways should account for these additional costs.

Key Takeaways for Motorists

• Karnataka highways offer smooth driving conditions
• Maharashtra has traffic choke points near construction zones
• Pune city traffic remains time-consuming
• Speed enforcement is strict on the Expressway
• Road surface unevenness persists in multiple sections
• FASTag annual pass excludes Expressway & Atal Setu tolls

Overall, the BLR–Pune–Mumbai road trip remains feasible and efficient with proper planning, early departures, and awareness of toll exclusions and traffic-prone zones.