Pune-Satara Highway: Superfast Tunnel Opens, Cuts Travel Time by 75%

• A new 1.3 km, three-lane tunnel on the Pune-Satara highway has opened experimentally for light vehicles.
• The tunnel, an alternative to the dangerous Khambatki Ghat, reduces travel time through the ghat from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes.
• This significant reduction saves passengers 35 minutes and eases the journey through steep slopes and 'S'-shaped turns.
• The project, approved by NHAI in 2019, is 90% complete, with the entire route expected to be finished by March 2026.
• The new route aims to alleviate frequent traffic congestion and accidents, especially benefiting weekend tourist crowds.

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