Pune, 21st May 2026: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has planned major infrastructure upgrades on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway. After completion, commuters travelling between Pune and Satara may be able to complete the journey in nearly one hour.
The proposed works include construction of five to six flyovers at key congestion points, removal of accident-prone black spots and development of the Pune-Satara Western Bypass project. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth nearly ₹6,000 crore is currently being prepared for the ambitious plan.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently inspected the Khambatki Ghat section and the Navale Bridge area in Pune to review traffic congestion and road safety concerns on the route.
The Pune-Satara stretch has witnessed a sharp rise in vehicle movement over the years due to increasing industrial activity, urban expansion and heavy transport traffic. Frequent congestion and recurring accidents have become a major challenge for daily commuters and transport operators.
According to officials, flyovers are being planned at major bottlenecks including Khandala, Shirwal and other busy junctions to improve traffic flow and reduce delays caused by heavy vehicles passing through town areas.
Authorities are also working on a nearly 140-kilometre-long Pune-Satara Western Bypass aimed at diverting heavy traffic away from the existing highway and reducing pressure on urban stretches.
“Black spots on the Satara-Pune highway will be removed and flyovers along with other required measures will be implemented wherever necessary. The DPR work has been proposed as per the directions of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Once the project is completed, the travel time between Pune and Satara could be reduced to nearly one hour,” said Suhas Ghante, senior engineer, NHAI.