Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway – All Details
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway
The Pune–Bengaluru Expressway, slated to be part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, is a planned greenfield, access-controlled expressway traversing Maharashtra and Karnataka. Spanning 745 km, it will traverse 12 districts, encompassing three in Maharashtra and nine in Karnataka. This strategic route will directly link Pune to Bengaluru, reducing the travel distance by approximately 95 km. Upon completion, the journey time between Bengaluru and Pune is expected to decrease from the current 15 hours to just 7 hours. The expressway, anticipated to be finished by 2027, will also seamlessly integrate with the Pune–Mumbai Expressway at Pune.
The proposed Bangalore Expressway by NHAI is an ambitious project featuring an eight-lane access-controlled highway. The route alignment connects Pune and Bengaluru, passing through Satara, Sangli, Belgavi (Belgaum), Dharwad, Hubli, Devanagere, and Tumakuru. As part of the Bharatmala Pariyojna, this greenfield expressway aims to offer a faster and alternative route compared to National Highway NH-48 (old NH-4). Commencing from MSRDC’s Pune Ring Road project on the northern end, the expressway is set to serve as a vital transportation link.
The current Pune-Bengaluru highway spans 838 km, while the upcoming green highway is designed to be 745 km in length. This reduction in distance is expected to bring Pune and Bangalore closer together. The project, with an estimated cost of around 40 thousand crore rupees, will feature eight lanes, allowing for a speed limit of 120 km per hour. Notably, this expressway represents an entirely new and modern infrastructure initiative.
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway: Route
The commencement point for this highway is set to be Varve Budruk, with plans for the construction of eight lanes. Distinguished by its full asphalt coverage, this highway is positioned as a viable alternative to the Samruddhi expressway. Unlike traditional routes that cut through major cities such as Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur, the proposed path of this greenfield expressway, under Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase 2, strategically connects through Pathkar Nakas and nearby villages.
Operating in parallel with National Highway 48, this Greenfield Expressway is designed to provide a faster and more efficient alternative to NH-48, contributing to improved connectivity and reduced travel time. The emphasis on a route that bypasses major cities underscores the project’s commitment to streamlining transportation and optimizing travel experiences for commuters.
Route in Maharashtra
The Pune–Bengaluru Expressway originates at Kanjle, connecting to the proposed Pune Ring Road. It traverses through Pune district, Satara district, and Sangli district within Maharashtra before crossing into the state of Karnataka.
Route in Karnataka
The Pune–Bengaluru Expressway extends through Belagavi, Bagalkot, Gadag, Koppal, Vijayanagara, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Bengaluru Rural district in Karnataka. Its final destination is Muthagadahalli, where it connects to the proposed Satellite Ring Road within the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region.
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway – Route Map
An official PDF route map will be provided as soon as it becomes available. The major settlements along the alignment are Pune, Bhor, Khandala, Phaltan, Khanapur, Satara, Tasgaon, Miraj, Kavathemahankal, Sangli, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Gadag, Koppal, Bellary, Davangare, Chitradurga, Tumkur and Bengaluru.
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway: Cost of the project
The construction of the Pune-Bangalore Expressway, spanning 745 kilometers, is estimated to cost around INR 55,072 crore.
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway- Proposed River Crossings
- Agrani
- Chikka Hagar
- Chand Nadi
- Nira
- Yerala
- Krishna
- Ghataprabha
- Malaprabha
- Tungabhadra
- Vedavathi
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway – Environment
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has indicated that the construction of the new Pune-Bengaluru expressway will necessitate nearly 20,000 acres of green fields in Karnataka, including 383 acres of forest land. The toll road, spanning 719.26 kilometers, is planned as a six-lane expressway, with provision for potential expansion to an eight-lane road. The impact of the project involves the acquisition of 12,355 acres in nine districts of Karnataka and 7,166 acres in three districts of Maharashtra. Importantly, the highway’s alignment avoids any intrusion into protected areas or sanctuaries in both states, with the nearest point being 12 km away from the Koyna wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra.
Additionally, there are plans for extensive tree plantation on both sides of the expressway, emphasizing environmental considerations and landscaping along the route.
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway: Infrastructure
The Pune-Bangalore Expressway project encompasses the construction of various infrastructure elements, including:
- ROB (Rail Over Bridge) – 6 Nos
- Major Bridges – 42 Nos
- Minor Bridges – 206 Nos
- Box-type Minor Bridge – 77 Nos
- Vehicular Underpass- 59 Nos
- LVUP (Light Vehicular Underpass) – 120 Nos
- SVUP (Small Vehicle Underpass) – 59 Nos
- VOP (Vehicular Overpass) – 45 Nos
- Flyover – 21 Nos
- Interchanges – 35 Nos
- Culverts – 1015 Nos
- Tunnel – 3 Nos
- Viaduct – 2 Nos
- 14 Crossing points for National and State highways
The Pune-Bengaluru Expressway project comprises two distinct expressways:
- The development of a new 6-Lane (Expandable up to 8 Lane) Greenfield Access-Controlled Expressway, commencing from Design Ch. -4+873 (located at Kopi Village, District- Pune) to Design Ch. 201.200 (at Salagare village, Dist- Sangli), and a Ranjani Spur with a length of 16.800 km [integral to Pune-Bengaluru Expressway]. The total designed length for this segment is 206.073+6.823 = 222.896 km, situated in the state of Maharashtra as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase II.
- The establishment of a new 6-Lane (Expandable up to 8 Lane) Greenfield Access-Controlled Expressway, starting from Design Ch. 201.100 (in the vicinity of Bammanala village) and extending to Design Ch. 697.566 (near Muttagadahalli village), [a segment of Pune – Bengaluru Expressway]. The total designed length for this section is 496.366 km, situated in the state of Karnataka as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase II.
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway – Status
DPR Preparation is in progress. The expressway, anticipated to be finished by 2027
Pune-Bengaluru Greenfield Expressway – Latest News, Updates
Pune, Sept 07, 2023: The much-awaited Pune-Bengaluru Expressway has cleared a major hurdle by receiving environmental clearance for both its Maharashtra and Karnataka sections. The 8-lane access-controlled highway is designed to bolster economic growth in Pune and Bangalore, cities that already contribute significantly to India’s GDP – Source PuneNow Website