3 weeks Ago By Nisha Nambiar
Pune: Nine proposed flyovers aimed at reducing traffic congestion on old Mumbai-Pune highway have failed to see the light of day due to delay in sanctioning of funds by Union ministry of road transport and highways, senior MSRDC officials told TOI. The flyovers, initially proposed seven years ago following pressure from local MLAs and public representatives, remain on paper despite increasing complaints of severe traffic jams. "There has been no progress as the Centre is yet to sanction the required Rs 1,000 crore.
The road falls under the jurisdiction of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation serves as the concessionaire," a senior official said. Meanwhile, NHAI has prepared a more ambitious detailed project report proposing expansion of the accident-prone old Mumbai-Pune highway from four to six lanes. Officials indicated this comprehensive development would require approximately Rs 10,000 crore and would incorporate originally planned flyovers.
"Even this is pending and so there is no movement on both the fronts," the official said. In 2018, MSRDC identified nine critical locations — Somatane Phata, Limb Phata, Talegaon-Chakan Road, MIDC Wadgaon, Dehuroad Y Junction, Wadgaon Phata, Nigdi Phata to Kamshet, Karla Phata, and Kanhe Phata — requiring immediate intervention along the old highway. These areas are characterised by sharp curves, hilly terrain, reduced speeds, and frequent accidents.
The expert report highlighted particular concerns regarding the 16km stretch between Khopoli and Lonavala on the old highway, where elevation changes and dangerous turns create safety hazards. Each proposed flyover would span 300 to 500 meters and was initially expected to be constructed under a public-private partnership model. Traffic engineers estimate the completed project would reduce Mumbai-Pune travel time by approximately 45 minutes on the old highway.
However, despite MSRDC's detailed planning, the proposal continues to await central government approval, leaving commuters to endure worsening congestion. Daily travellers have expressed growing frustration over the delay. Meera Ganeshan, who commutes on the old Mumbai-Pune highway twice a week, reported regular traffic jams lasting one to two hours.
"These delays significantly impact my arrival time in both cities," she noted. Entrepreneur Meher Sheikh emphasized that both the Mumbai-Pune expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway require immediate widening to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. "As the two cities grow closer economically, there is an urgent need for state and central authorities to prioritise infrastructure improvement on these vital corridors," Sheikh said.
The traffic situation on the old highway becomes particularly acute during weekends and festival periods, when travel times double. With number of vehicles continuing to rise and no immediate solution in sight, Garima Mohit, a commuter, said that it is a long wait before these proposals are accepted..
