Khambatki Ghat Tunnel Opens: Pune-Satara Travel Time Slashed by 38 Minutes

• The new three-lane tunnel in Khambatki Ghat on the Bengaluru National Highway has opened for traffic, easing Pune-Satara travel.
• One tunnel, from Satara towards Pune, is now operational, with the second expected to open soon, after six years of construction.
• The new route, part of a 6.46 km project, includes a 1.3 km tunnel and a 1.2 km viaduct, bypassing dangerous S-shaped turns.
• Travel time through the ghat has been reduced from 45 minutes to just 7 minutes, saving commuters approximately 38 minutes.
• Currently, the route is open for light vehicles on a trial basis, with 90% of the overall project completed.

Why It Matters: New Khambatki Ghat tunnel drastically cuts Pune-Satara travel time, improving safety and efficiency.