India’s road infrastructure has seen significant improvements over the years, marked by the development of new expressways and upgrades to existing roads.
Among these, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway stands out as a pioneering project, inaugurated 22 years ago in 2002 by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This expressway, linking Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra’s bustling cities, holds the distinction of being the country’s oldest and first 6-lane highway.
Construction and Features:
Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 1,63,000 crore by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway spans 94.5 kilometers. It begins in Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai, and terminates in Kiwale, Pune. The expressway includes five toll plazas, with Khalapur and Talegaon being the primary ones. Additionally, three-lane concrete service roads run parallel on both sides of the main expressway.
Benefits and Impact:
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has significantly reduced travel time between Mumbai and Pune from 3 hours to just 1 hour, facilitating increased daily commuting between the two cities. Its route through the Sahyadri mountain range offers travelers a scenic journey, aided by tunnels and underpasses constructed by the government. The expressway enforces a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour for safe and efficient travel.
Toll Structure:
As the most expensive expressway in India, toll charges vary based on vehicle type. For cars and jeeps, the toll is Rs 320 one way, while mini buses and tempos pay Rs 495. Buses are charged Rs 940, two-axle trucks Rs 685, three-axle trucks Rs 1,630, and multi-axle trucks and other heavy machinery Rs 2,165. This toll equates to approximately Rs 3.20 per kilometer, which is higher compared to the average toll of Rs 2.40 per kilometer on other expressways across the country.
Future Plans:
The toll rates on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway were revised in April 2023, reflecting an 18% increase. These rates are expected to remain unchanged until 2030, providing clarity for commuters and businesses reliant on this vital transportation link.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway stands as a testament to India’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure, offering swift connectivity between major urban centers while setting standards for future highway projects in the country.
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