British-Era Mumbai-Pune Highway Set for Major Upgrade as MSRDC Plans Six-Lane Expansion Across 111 km

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is planning a major upgrade of the old Mumbai-Pune highway to improve traffic movement, road safety, and connectivity between the two major urban regions. The corporation has invited bids to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for expanding the existing four-lane National Highway 48 (NH-48) between Nigdi in Pune and Shilphata in Thane into a six-lane highway.

The proposed project will cover approximately 111 kilometers across Pune, Raigad, and Thane districts. The expansion is expected to address growing traffic demand and improve the movement of passenger vehicles, commercial transport, and freight carriers along this important corridor.

MSRDC Plans Six-Lane Expansion of Old Mumbai-Pune Highway

The old Mumbai-Pune highway has served as a major road connection between Mumbai and Pune for several decades. Before the opening of the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway, it was the primary road route connecting Mumbai with the Deccan Plateau through the Bor Ghat.

Originally developed as a two-lane road during British rule, the highway was later expanded to four lanes as vehicle numbers increased. Earlier known as National Highway 4, the route became part of National Highway 48 in 2010.

Over the years, growing urban development, industrial activity, and increased goods transportation have placed additional pressure on the road network. The proposed six-laning project aims to increase its carrying capacity and provide a smoother travel experience for motorists.

Detailed Project Report to Assess Road Widening and Infrastructure Needs

As part of the planning process, MSRDC will appoint a consultant to prepare the DPR and study the technical and financial requirements of the expansion.

The study will include detailed road surveys, alignment assessments, and investigations to identify the most suitable widening options. It will also examine the need for improvements to road junctions, bridges, existing structures, drainage systems, and other highway facilities.

The consultant will also assess land acquisition requirements, utility shifting, and additional road safety measures. The objective is to make the upgraded highway safer, more efficient, and better equipped to handle future traffic growth.

Logistics Parks and Industrial Development Along the Highway

Apart from improving road infrastructure, MSRDC wants to explore opportunities for economic development along the 111-km corridor.

The DPR consultant will study the possibility of developing several facilities, including:

• Logistics parks and industrial hubs.
• Technology and business centers.
• Agricultural and fisheries hubs.
• Educational and medical facilities.
• Recreational centers and resorts.

These developments could create additional economic opportunities while supporting businesses and industries located along the Mumbai-Pune transport corridor.

MSRDC to Explore PPP, EPC and Other Funding Models

The proposed project will also involve an assessment of different financing and implementation options. MSRDC has asked the consultant to examine models such as Public-Private Partnership (PPP), annuity-based development, and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC).

The DPR will help determine the project's estimated cost, land requirements, proposed alignment, and implementation strategy. It will also provide the foundation for the subsequent bidding and project execution process.

Mumbai-Pune Missing Link and Old Highway Upgrade to Improve Connectivity

The proposed expansion comes after the commissioning of the 13-km Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The new route reduces the travel distance by approximately 6 kilometers and saves around 30 minutes by providing a faster and safer alternative through the Western Ghats.

While the Missing Link improves connectivity on the expressway, the proposed six-laning of the old Mumbai-Pune highway is focused on increasing capacity across the wider road network.

Together, these infrastructure improvements are expected to support growing travel demand between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR). Once the DPR is completed and the project moves towards implementation, the highway upgrade could bring significant improvements to road connectivity, freight movement, and regional development across Maharashtra.