Maharashtra Infrastructure Boost: Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore Highways, Expressways, and Urban Mobility Projects Approved

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday announced a massive infrastructure boost in Maharashtra with road, highway, and urban mobility projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore approved for 2026. The focus is on improving connectivity in major cities like Nagpur, Pune, and other key intercity corridors. This strategic investment aims to enhance travel efficiency, reduce congestion, and strengthen the state’s economic and industrial growth prospects. (AI Image)

Among the major approvals is the Pune–Chattrapati Sambhajinagar express highway, a high-priority greenfield project being constructed by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) at an estimated cost of Rs 16,318 crore. This ambitious highway is expected to significantly improve connectivity between western and central Maharashtra, providing a faster, safer, and more efficient route for commuters and freight traffic alike. (AI Image)

The first phase of the Pune–Sambhajinagar highway, covering the Pune–Ahilyanagar–Sambhajinagar section, will be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore. The project includes multiple flyovers, interchanges, and allied infrastructure to facilitate smooth traffic movement, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure that long-distance travel is both convenient and safe. (AI Image)

A separate alignment has been proposed from Shikarpur, near Ahilyanagar, passing through Beed to connect with the Sambhajinagar greenfield highway. This alignment is expected to provide alternate routes, ease congestion on existing roads, and enhance overall connectivity between central Maharashtra cities, creating a robust transport network that supports economic activities in the region. (AI Image)

Union Minister Gadkari highlighted that once the new highway projects are completed, travel time between Pune and Sambhajinagar will reduce to around two hours, Sambhajinagar to Nagpur will take approximately 2.5 hours, making the total Pune–Nagpur travel time just six hours. This will not only save commuters significant time but also enhance trade, tourism, and business activities across Maharashtra. (AI Image)

In addition to intercity highways, multiple large-scale elevated corridors have been approved in the Pune metropolitan region. Notable among these is the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikarpur corridor, which will feature a three-level elevated structure to facilitate uninterrupted traffic flow. These corridors are designed to decongest urban traffic, reduce travel delays, and improve connectivity within the metropolitan region. (AI Image)

Projects awarded to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), such as the Nashik Phata–Khed corridor, will be executed in two phases at a total cost of Rs 7,800 crore. Phase I, covering the Nashik Phata to Alandi Phata stretch, is estimated at Rs 4,403 crore and will include elevated structures and modern road facilities, improving travel times and commuter safety. (AI Image)

The second phase of the Nashik Phata–Khed corridor, from Alandi Phata to Khed, will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 3,398 crore. This project aims to complete the corridor, providing uninterrupted road connectivity, reducing congestion on existing roads, and ensuring that freight and passenger traffic moves efficiently across this crucial transport route. (AI Image)

Both intercity and urban road projects will include flyovers, elevated structures, interchanges, and other allied infrastructure. These improvements are designed to streamline traffic flow, reduce travel times, enhance commuter safety, and support the overall urban mobility framework in Maharashtra, while also promoting economic activities in connected regions. (AI Image

The Rs 1.5 lakh crore investment in highways, expressways, and urban mobility projects is expected to have a transformative impact on Maharashtra’s economy. Improved road infrastructure will facilitate smoother logistics, attract investments, promote tourism, and strengthen industrial connectivity, positioning Maharashtra as a leader in modern transportation infrastructure and sustainable urban development. (AI Image)