The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the 32.4-kilometre service road project along the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48), connecting Khed-Shivapur to Ravet. 

The project aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and provide a smoother commuting experience for local and long-distance travelers. 

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 604 crore, and construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with completion expected within two years.

Pune’s highways, especially NH-48, experience heavy congestion, with approximately 2.1 lakh vehicles using the road daily. 

To alleviate this, the new service road will serve as an alternative route for local traffic, helping to decongest major bottlenecks such as Narhe, Navale Bridge, Warje, Chandani Chowk, and Ravet. 

The two-lane service road will have 3.5-metre-wide lanes on each side of the highway, making it suitable for small vehicles and local residents. It is expected to benefit at least one lakh vehicles daily and reduce travel time by around 20 minutes