Travelling the Mumbai-Pune Expressway

 

Traveling the Mumbai-Pune Expressway: A High-Speed Lifeline #Expressway

During my travels to Pune, I've had the opportunity to experience the Mumbai-Pune Expressway numerous times. This six-lane highway, also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, is a landmark infrastructure project and India's first concrete expressway with three lanes dedicated to each direction. Officially opened in 2002, it revolutionized travel between Mumbai and Pune.

A Boon for Commuters:

Previously, the old highway offered a much slower journey. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been a boon for commuters, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities.

Designed for Speed and Safety:

The expressway boasts a well-defined central divider for safety and a smooth concrete surface. Medium-sized vehicles can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on flat stretches, which reduces to 40 km/h in ghats (mountain passes). Similarly, heavy vehicles have a prescribed speed limit of 80 km/h on flat terrain and 40 km/h in ghats.

Part of a Growing Network:

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is a vital part of India's expanding network of expressways. Today, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, partially opened in 2023 and expected to be completed in 2026, holds the title of the longest expressway in India at 935 km. Additionally, the 14-lane Delhi-Meerut Expressway, built in 2021, is the widest expressway in the country. These expressways are becoming the lifeline of India's economic growth.

Safety First:

For safety reasons, two-wheelers are not permitted on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to their slower speeds compared to four-wheelers and multi-axle vehicles, which could disrupt the flow of fast-moving traffic.

A Scenic Journey:

The 94-km expressway allows for a relatively quick journey between the two cities (approximately 2.5 hours). The route offers picturesque views, including Lonavala, a popular hill station known for its waterfalls, and the historic Lohagad Fort. Notably, the expressway avoids populated areas, ensuring a smooth ride for fast-moving traffic. The captivating views of mountains, rivers, and serene jungles contribute to a visually delightful experience.

Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC):

The Maharashtra government entrusted the construction of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to MSRDC in March 1997, granting them toll collection rights for 30 years.

The Future of Expressways:

The future of expressways in India is promising. Greenfield Expressways, a new concept, are designed for a potential 12-lane configuration, initially built with 8 lanes. These expressways will prioritize high speeds (up to 120 km/h for all vehicles) and new alignments to bypass populated areas and encourage development in new regions. Additionally, the Bharatmala project, a comprehensive road development initiative, focuses on building tunnels, bridges, elevated corridors, flyovers, and bypasses to create a robust road network. The government plans to construct a staggering 83,677 km of new highways in the next five years. Expressways are poised to play a crucial role in India's rapid economic development.

Text and Photos by: Ashok Karan, Ashokkaran.blogspot.com