The Pune-Nashik Expressway is a 213 km approved Greenfield Expressway connecting Maharashtra’s prominent cities- Pune and Nashik. To be built with an estimated cost of Rs 28,429 crore, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has completed the feasibility study and is preparing to send the final expressway proposal for approval. Once approved, the agency plans to complete construction within three years. In this guide, we discuss in detail about the route, travel time and distance.
Pune Nashik Expressway: Key facts
| Implementing agency | Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) |
| Estimated cost | Rs 28,429 crore |
| State covered | Maharashtra |
| Status | Sent for approval |
| Length
|
213 km
|
| Starting point | Chimbli near Pune |
| End point | Nashik |
| Places to be linked | Pune to Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) to Nashik |
| Travel time reduced to | 3 hours |
| Speed | 120 kmph |
| No. of lanes | 6 lanes |
Route details of the Pune Nashik Expressway
The Pune Nashik Expressway is a six-lane access controlled expressway that is planned to pass through Pune, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) and Nashik. Of the 213 km, the first phase will be 135 km from Alandi to Shirdi that will connect with the under construction Surat Chennai Expressway. The second phase will have a 78km from Shirdi to Niphad interchange and will extend to Nashik through a connector. The project will pass through Khed, Shirur, Ambegaon and Junnar talukas in Pune, and Sangamner in Ahilyanagar. For this over 1,545 hectares of land will have to be acquired, mention media reports.
What are the key features of the Pune Nashik Expressway?
Over 12 flyovers will be built over rivers and streams on the Pune Nashik Expressway. The Pune Nashik Expressway will also be connected with the Shirdi Marg. Additionally, there will be interchanges at nine places namely
- Chimbli
- Chakan
- Pabal (Pune)
- Ahilyanagar
- Rajuri
- Khandarmal
- Sakur
- Machi
- Kasare (Nashik).
Project cost of the Pune Nashik Expressway
Announced in October 2022, the project is expected to be built at a cost of Rs 28,429 crore. The feasibility study has been completed and final approval is being sent to the Maharashtra Government for approval. The project is executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Travel time between the two destinations
Once the expressway is operational, there will be easy connectivity between the two cities, reduced travel time from five hours to three hours and boost in trade and economy between the two cities and the neighbouring areas too.
Speed limit on the Pune Nashik Expressway
According to media reports, the speed limit on the Pune Nashik Expressway is around 120km/h. Most new expressways in India are being constructed to support the speed of 120 km/h. However, once operations start and based on how people use the expressway, the speed limit may be revised to avoid accidents.
What do people use in place of Pune Nashik Expressway currently?
Currently, since the Pune Nashik Expressway Project is in the approval phase, people use the existing alternate routes to travel from Pune to Nashik.
- The first option is to use the National Highway 60 (NH60). This is also known as NH50 in some sections and connects Pune and Nashik through Sinnar.
- Alternatively, people use the Mumbai Nashik Expressway and connect to Pune in between.
- People also use the Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as the Mumbai Nagpur Expressway and connect to Pune through Sinnar or other interchanges.
Impact of Pune Nashik Expressway on existing rail project
A high speed rail project between Pune and Nashik was in the cards which has been facing delays. As per media reports, in a June 2023 meeting, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar asked authorities to also assess if land marked for the Pune Nashik Rail Project could be used for the expressway instead. A report on this front is yet to be made.
Real estate impact of Pune Nashik Expressway
The Pune Nashik Expressway once completed is expected to see exponential growth once it is operational. The route by which it will pass through is expected to surge industrial growth in urban centers like Pune, Ahilyanagar and Nashik that will enhance trade, employment and logistics.
As opposed to the older highways, the Pune Nashik Expressway will have fewer access points and intersections helping in smooth commute. Additionally, the new expressway allows people to travel at 120km/h that is much higher than the average speed that is allowed on the currently operating routes. Thus, vehicles on the Pune Nashik Expressway can travel at a consistent speed which will help in saving time and fuel. These tweaks have resulted in reduction in travel time to around three hours, which is a big advantage of this expressway.
Housing.com POV
The Pune Nashik Expressway is a well-planned route bringing travel time between the two cities closer by three hours. This expressway will support local economies, trade and boost tourism. While things like toll charges on the expressway, vehicles allowed to travel etc. are not yet decided, the greenfield expressway will provide excellent connectivity between the two cities and also provide state wise connectivity through its link with Mumbai Pune Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg.
FAQs
How many lanes does the Pune Nashik Expressway have?
The Pune Nashik Expressway has six lanes.
From where does the Pune Nashik Expressway start?
The Pune Nashik Expressway will start from Chimbli village near Pune.
What is the speed limit in the Pune Nashik Expressway?
The speed limit in the Pune Nashik Expressway is 120 km per hour.
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