The Bharat Mala Project, a significant initiative by the Government of India, is paving the way for the construction of premium quality highways, infrastructure, and expressways across the country. This ambitious project aims to upgrade and expand the existing roadways, enhancing their quality to meet international standards.
One of the key components of this initiative is Phase 2, which includes the construction of a new expressway connecting Pune, known as the “Oxford of the East,” to Bengaluru, the “Silicon Valley of India.” This expressway, designed to be a 6-8 lane corridor, will run parallel to the existing National Highway 48 (NH-48). The current travel time by car from Mumbai to Bengaluru is approximately 18–19 hours, while the journey from Pune to Bengaluru takes about 15–16 hours. However, upon completion of the new Mumbai-Pune-Bengaluru expressway, the travel time between Pune and Bengaluru is expected to be reduced to just 7-8 hours. The expressway will seamlessly connect to the Mumbai-Pune expressway, adding an additional 2 hours to reach Mumbai.
The Pune-Bengaluru expressway received approval from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2019. This project will span approximately 700 kilometers and will initially consist of six lanes, with the potential for expansion to eight lanes. The expressway will be an access-controlled Greenfield project, managed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). It is designed to support vehicle speeds of up to 120 km/hour, effectively reducing the distance between Pune and Bengaluru by 140 kilometers. Consequently, the travel time between these two cities will be significantly reduced to around 7 hours.
Given that both Pune and Bengaluru are major IT hubs, the new expressway will facilitate smoother and more efficient connectivity between them, enhancing business and personal travel. The project is estimated to cost between INR 40,000 to 50,000 crores.
In addition to its primary function as a roadway, the expressway will feature two emergency airstrips located in Pune and Bengaluru. It will also connect to other major road networks at 22 different points. The design of the expressway incorporates flood-proofing measures to ensure its resilience against natural disasters. The planned width of the expressway is 100 meters, accommodating future expansions and increased traffic flow.
As of now, 72 kilometers of the total 699-kilometer project have been completed, with ongoing construction expected to progress rapidly. The entire expressway is projected to be completed by 2028, promising to transform travel between Pune and Bengaluru and significantly impact the region’s infrastructure development.
The Bharat Mala Project represents a monumental effort to revamp India’s road infrastructure, fostering economic growth and regional connectivity. The Pune-Bengaluru expressway, as a part of this initiative, exemplifies the government’s commitment to creating world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of modern India.