Pune: In a significant development after years of persistent lobbying, the Maharashtra State Government has officially approved the long-awaited expansion of the Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur National Highway. The comprehensive project includes constructing a four-lane elevated road from Talegaon to Chakan and expanding the Chakan to Shikrapur stretch into a six-lane highway, addressing major traffic bottlenecks and improving commuter safety in the Pune district.
Dr. Amol Kolhe, Member of Parliament, shared the news via his X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting that public dissatisfaction over the delay had been mounting for years. This critical highway serves as a lifeline between Pune’s industrial hubs and its rural belt, making its improvement essential for economic and logistical connectivity.
Dr. Kolhe disclosed that he had personally met with Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), to advocate for swift action. He requested the commencement of the tendering process based on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) already prepared by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The proposal finally secured the State Cabinet’s nod during its meeting on April 22, following consistent engagement with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Public Works Minister Shivendra Sinhraje Bhosale.
Industries Minister Uday Samant, speaking in Pune, confirmed that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) would oversee the execution of the massive ₹4,000 crore project. He added that the National Highways Authority of India also outlined other related infrastructure initiatives during the meeting.
Project Highlights:
Talegaon to Chakan: A new four-lane elevated corridor will be constructed.
Chakan to Shikrapur: The existing route will be widened to six lanes.
Model: The project will follow the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
Funding: Land acquisition will be supported by upfront funding from the state government.
Estimated Cost: ₹3,923.89 crore (excluding GST and minor mineral charges).
Dr. Kolhe has urged the state to expedite land acquisition and has directed MSIDC to begin the tendering process without further delays. He also pressed the government to fast-track approvals for other pending road projects, including the Shirur and Hadapsar–Urulikanchan corridors.
Once completed, this long-pending infrastructure project is expected to significantly decongest traffic, enhance safety, and streamline the movement of goods and people across this vital corridor in the Pune region.
