Pune, 8th October 2025: The long-pending Shirur–Chakan–Talegaon–Karjat–Uran highway project, expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and along the Ahmednagar Road corridor, has gained momentum after years of delay. Government-level discussions have resumed, and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar has directed officials to place the proposal before the state cabinet for approval soon.
Heavy vehicular movement through industrial zones along the Shikrapur–Chakan–Talegaon–Lonavala stretch has been causing persistent congestion. The new corridor aims to provide a faster and smoother alternative route for vehicles traveling from Marathwada to Mumbai, diverting them via Shirur–Khed–Karjat and creating an alternate highway to the financial capital.
Ajit Pawar Pushes for Cabinet Approval
Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar chaired a review meeting last week, where he instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite the proposal and table it before the cabinet. Officials have been asked to finalize the alignment and cost details to prevent further delays.
At present, traffic from Marathwada to Mumbai passes through Chakan–Shikrapur–Talegaon, where the concentration of MIDC industrial zones in Chakan and Shirur creates severe congestion, especially during peak hours. The proposed new corridor will help decongest this route and facilitate faster freight and passenger movement.
Project Details and Benefits
The upcoming Multi-Modal Corridor will be a four-lane highway spanning approximately 135 km, with an estimated cost of ₹12,500 crore. It is proposed to be developed on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Once completed, it is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad by nearly 80%, while cutting travel time and logistics costs.
The project will be implemented in two phases — the first covering 60 km and the second 75 km. According to PWD officials, land acquisition will begin soon after cabinet approval and is expected to be completed within a year. Highway construction is likely to take another two to three years.
Officials added that the corridor will boost industrial and agricultural trade across Shirur, Talegaon, and Karjat regions by improving connectivity to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, J.N. Port, and Uran.
At a Glance: The Proposed Route
Total Length: ~135 km
Route: Shirur – Pabal – Rajgurunagar – Shirwali – Pait – Vandre – Karjat
Connectivity: To extend further to Panvel–Uran
Key Features: 5 tunnels, 6 major bridges, 48 minor bridges
Estimated Cost: ₹12,500 crore (including land acquisition and construction)
Land Acquisition: Approx. 670 hectares
Model: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
Expected Benefits: Alternate route to Mumbai, reduced congestion, improved freight movement, and enhanced connectivity for industrial and agricultural sectors
Once operational, the Shirur–Karjat–Uran highway is expected to emerge as a major infrastructure link between Western Maharashtra and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), significantly improving regional logistics and supporting economic growth.
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