Traveling
the Mumbai-Pune Expressway: A High-Speed Lifeline #Expressway
During my travels to Pune, I’ve had
the opportunity to experience the Mumbai-Pune Expressway numerous times. This
six-lane highway, also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, is a
landmark infrastructure project and India’s first concrete expressway with
three lanes dedicated to each direction. Officially opened in 2002, it
revolutionized travel between Mumbai and Pune.
A Boon for Commuters:
Previously, the old highway offered
a much slower journey. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been a boon for
commuters, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities.
Designed for Speed and Safety:
The expressway boasts a well-defined
central divider for safety and a smooth concrete surface. Medium-sized vehicles
can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on flat stretches, which reduces to 40 km/h
in ghats (mountain passes). Similarly, heavy vehicles have a prescribed speed
limit of 80 km/h on flat terrain and 40 km/h in ghats.
Part of a Growing Network:
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is a
vital part of India’s expanding network of expressways. Today, the Delhi-Mumbai
Expressway, partially opened in 2023 and expected to be completed in 2026,
holds the title of the longest expressway in India at 935 km. Additionally, the
14-lane Delhi-Meerut Expressway, built in 2021, is the widest expressway in the
country. These expressways are becoming the lifeline of India’s economic
growth.
Safety First:
For safety reasons, two-wheelers are
not permitted on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to their slower speeds compared
to four-wheelers and multi-axle vehicles, which could disrupt the flow of
fast-moving traffic.
A Scenic Journey:
The 94-km expressway allows for a
relatively quick journey between the two cities (approximately 2.5 hours). The
route offers picturesque views, including Lonavala, a popular hill station
known for its waterfalls, and the historic Lohagad Fort. Notably, the
expressway avoids populated areas, ensuring a smooth ride for fast-moving
traffic. The captivating views of mountains, rivers, and serene jungles
contribute to a visually delightful experience.
Maharashtra State Road Development
Corporation (MSRDC):
The Maharashtra government entrusted
the construction of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to MSRDC in March 1997, granting
them toll collection rights for 30 years.
The Future of Expressways:
The future of expressways in India
is promising. Greenfield Expressways, a new concept, are designed for a
potential 12-lane configuration, initially built with 8 lanes. These
expressways will prioritize high speeds (up to 120 km/h for all vehicles) and
new alignments to bypass populated areas and encourage development in new
regions. Additionally, the Bharatmala project, a comprehensive road development
initiative, focuses on building tunnels, bridges, elevated corridors, flyovers,
and bypasses to create a robust road network. The government plans to construct
a staggering 83,677 km of new highways in the next five years. Expressways are
poised to play a crucial role in India’s rapid economic development.
Text and Photos by: Ashok Karan, Ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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