BackPOLITICS
Maharashtra approves 134-km Neral–Shirur highway to ease Mumbai-Pune Expressway congestion
The Maharashtra government approved a 134-km four-lane highway connecting Neral in Raigad district to Shirur in Pune district, intended as a parallel route to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. The corridor will pass through Vandre, Pait and Shiroli and aims to improve connectivity to Mumbai, Marathwada and Ahilyanagar while reducing expressway congestion. Officials described the project as a potential catalyst for industrial and regional development in Raigad, Pune, Marathwada and Ahilyanagar.
Why It Matters
If implemented, the highway could ease bottlenecks on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway during peak travel and holidays and boost regional economic activity in multiple districts.
Timeline
2 Events
Maharashtra approves 134-km Neral–Shirur highway
May 8, 2026
The state government approved a 134-km four-lane highway connecting Neral in Raigad district to Shirur in Pune district, intended as a parallel route to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway to reduce congestion. The highway will begin at Neral and connect to Shirur on the Pune–Ahilyanagar highway, passing through Vandre, Pait and Shiroli. Officials said the route would boost connectivity with Mumbai and JNPT and would benefit the industrial belts of Khed SEZ, Talegaon, Chakan, Ranjangaon and Supa, while accelerating development in Khed, Shirur, Ambegaon and Maval. Public works department officials described the project as a catalyst for industrial growth, employment and investment in the region.
Inauguration of the Missing Link between Khopoli and Lonavala
May 1, 2026
The article notes that just last week the inauguration of the Missing Link between Khopoli and Lonavala took place, but it was overshadowed by massive traffic congestion on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, with motorists stranded for hours.