The proposed Pune–Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway is reportedly nearing final approval from the central government, bringing a major infrastructure boost for Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Officials said the route alignment is likely to receive clearance in the coming weeks. Once approved, land acquisition is expected to begin, followed by accelerated construction. The project is among 25 greenfield corridors planned under Bharatmala Pariyojana.
700 km high-speed corridor planned
The new expressway is expected to stretch around 700 kilometres with six to eight lanes. Estimated project cost is said to be between ₹45,000 crore and ₹50,000 crore.
The route will begin from Pune and pass through Satara and Sangli before entering Karnataka via Belagavi, Vijayanagara and Davanagere before ending in Bengaluru.
Pune to Bengaluru in 7 hours
Currently, road travel between Pune and Bengaluru can take 14 to 15 hours depending on congestion and road conditions. Once completed, the new corridor is expected to reduce journey time to nearly seven hours.
The expressway is also expected to ease pressure on existing national highways and improve long-distance road safety.
Big push for jobs and trade
Officials believe the project could trigger economic activity along the route, attracting warehouses, industries, logistics hubs and service businesses. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities in multiple districts across both states.
Strategic boost for Karnataka
For Karnataka, the corridor could strengthen faster access to Mumbai-Pune markets while improving movement of goods, passengers and investment into Bengaluru and north Karnataka regions.