Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link To Be Completed By August 2025; Pune Metro Expansion On Track

The Maharashtra government has announced that major infrastructure projects, including the missing link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar Metro corridor, will be completed in the 2025-26 financial year. Additionally, work on the second phase of the Pune Metro will begin soon, as per Pune Pulse report.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also serves as the state's finance minister, presented the budget for the 2024-25 financial year in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday. He stated that the missing link project in the ghat section from Khopoli to Khandala on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is expected to be completed by August 2025. The project aims to reduce travel time, save fuel, and ease traffic congestion.

The central government has also approved the second phase of the Pune Metro. This phase includes the extension of the Swargate-Katraj corridor. The Maharashtra government has sent a Rs 9,897 crore proposal for two additional Metro corridors:

1. Khadakwasla-Swargate-Hadapsar-Kharadi
2. Nal Stop-Warje-Manikbagh

Pawar also announced key road infrastructure projects in the Pune region. A 564 kilometres elevated road from Pune to Shirur will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 7,515 crore. Additionally, a 25 kilometres road from Talegaon to Chakan, which includes four elevated roads, will be developed with a budget of Rs 6,499 crore.

In a cultural initiative, the government is speeding up work on the Shivsrushti project in Ambegaon, Pune. This project showcases the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through modern technology. While two phases have already been completed, the government has allocated Rs 50 crore to accelerate the remaining work.

Additionally, Pawar announced plans to renovate the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.