Pune-Bengaluru Expressway: A New Era of Connectivity

India’s ambitious Pune-Bengaluru Expressway, a 700-kilometer greenfield project, is set to transform travel between two of the country’s key IT hubs. Spearheaded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase 2, this eight-lane, access-controlled highway aims to slash travel time from 15 hours to approximately seven hours, reducing the distance by about 95 kilometers compared to the existing National Highway 48 (NH-48). Recent reports indicate that the project, with an estimated cost of ₹50,000 crore, is gaining momentum, promising significant economic and infrastructural benefits by its targeted completion in 2028.

The expressway will connect three districts in Maharashtra—Pune, Satara, and Sangli—with nine in Karnataka, including Bengaluru Rural, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Davangere, Vijayanagar, Koppal, Gadag, Bagalkot, and Belgaum. Designed to run parallel to NH-48, it offers a faster, straighter alternative, featuring a maximum speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour. Official statements highlight the inclusion of 22 interchanges, 55 flyovers, six road-over-bridges, and 14 crossing points with national and state highways, ensuring seamless connectivity. The NHAI has also planned two emergency airstrips and a 15-meter-wide median to enhance safety and allow future expansion, with a 100-meter Right of Way (ROW) to accommodate long-term growth.

As of May 2025, the project is in the advanced planning stage, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) nearing completion. The Maharashtra section, spanning 360 kilometers, received environmental clearance in December 2024, paving the way for tendering. In Karnataka, the 496-kilometer stretch is still awaiting clearance, with concerns raised about the felling of approximately 25,000 trees, 60% of which are in Karnataka. Efforts to minimize environmental impact are underway, with the NHAI emphasizing mitigation measures despite the absence of protected areas along the route. The expressway will cross 10 rivers, including the Krishna and Tungabhadra, adding to its engineering complexity.

Land acquisition remains a critical hurdle. The project requires 5,205 hectares in Karnataka alone, and district collectors have appointed nodal officers to streamline the process. Recent posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users celebrating the potential for faster travel and economic growth, while others express concerns about displacement and loss of agricultural land. Farmers in Satara and Sangli have voiced apprehension, though no large-scale protests have been reported as of June 2025. Experts stress that transparent compensation mechanisms will be key to maintaining public support.

The expressway is expected to catalyze real estate and economic development in regions like Nashik, Kolhapur, and Satara. Improved connectivity is likely to boost logistics, trade, and tourism, particularly by facilitating quicker freight transport between Maharashtra and Karnataka. The project’s alignment near Bengaluru’s second airport is anticipated to further enhance its strategic importance. The NHAI and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) are collaborating to ensure timely execution, with construction expected to begin soon after land acquisition is finalized, likely by late 2025.

This infrastructure project aligns with India’s broader vision of modernizing its transport network. By connecting Pune’s industrial prowess with Bengaluru’s tech ecosystem, the expressway is poised to create a robust economic corridor. However, its success hinges on balancing development with sustainability and community interests. The NHAI has committed to addressing environmental and social concerns, but the scale of the project underscores the need for meticulous planning and execution.

As the Pune-Bengaluru Expressway moves closer to reality, it stands as a testament to India’s ambition to bridge its urban centers efficiently. By 2028, this highway could redefine travel and trade between two dynamic cities, fostering growth while testing the nation’s ability to harmonize progress with preservation. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this vision delivers on its promise of a faster, more connected future.