Pune, 2nd September 2026: Work on the western section of the Pune Ring Road project has reached 30% completion, according to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The agency has set a target of completing 65% of the work by December 2026 and opening the western stretch to traffic by December 2027.
The 170-km Ring Road project was launched in November 2024. It will connect nine national highways around Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad and is expected to reduce traffic pressure on roads passing through the city.
The western section is 69 km long and has been divided into five packages, with construction underway simultaneously. The eastern section is planned to be completed by December 2028.
A 640-metre bridge is being constructed across the Khadakwasla reservoir, making it the longest bridge in the project. The water depth at the location ranges from 6 to 12 metres.
Pile foundations have been used for the bridge, similar to the method adopted for bridge construction in marine conditions. The pillars have now been completed, while the entire bridge is expected to be ready by August 2027.
A 5.8-km tunnel behind Sinhagad Fort is another major component of the western Ring Road. About 80% of its excavation has been completed, with the remaining excavation expected to finish by October.
The tunnel is being excavated through basalt rock at a depth of nearly 200 metres below the Sahyadri range. Around four metres of excavation is being completed each day. The tunnel will be 18 metres wide, with cross passages provided every 300 metres.
The Ring Road project includes 15 tunnels with a combined length of around 21 km.
The western Ring Road is also expected to provide an alternative route for traffic from Hinjewadi towards Mumbai. The road will pass around 4 km from Hinjewadi Phase 3 and 13 km from Phase 1.
“Hinjewadi currently faces severe traffic congestion, with vehicles often stuck for one to one-and-a-half hours. The Ring Road will provide a faster alternative for traffic travelling towards Mumbai,” said Ajit Patil, Executive Engineer, MSRDC.
He added, “Work on the western side has been divided into five packages, and construction is progressing simultaneously. The major tunnel behind Sinhagad and the bridge across the Khadakwasla reservoir are among the key structures under construction.”
District Collector Jitendra Dudi said, “Once the western section is completed and opened by December 2027, followed by the eastern section by December 2028, the Ring Road will help reduce Pune’s traffic congestion significantly.”
