Mumbai-Pune Expressway Congestion to End: New Shirur-Karjat Highway Planned

• Maharashtra government plans a new Shirur-Chakan-Talegaon-Karjat highway to alleviate Mumbai-Pune Expressway congestion.
• The alternative route will divert traffic from Marathwada and Ahilyanagar, bypassing the heavily loaded Lonavala and Khandala Ghats.
• The 135 km four-lane multimodal corridor will feature 5 tunnels, 6 large bridges, and 48 small bridges, costing approximately 12,500 crore rupees.
• Implemented on a 'BOT' (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis, the project aims to save passenger time and money.
• It is expected to reduce congestion on internal roads in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune by 50% and provide significant relief to the industrial sector.