India's first expressway between Mumbai and Pune reduces travel time by 2 hours, doesn't allow these vehicles

India’s road infrastructure has seen a massive transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. One of the most significant projects in this development is the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This expressway has improved connectivity between Mumbai and Pune, reducing travel time and enhancing road safety.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is India’s first six-lane highway and remains the most expensive expressway in the country. Originally envisioned during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the project took 22 years to be fully completed. Some sections were opened for public use as early as 2000. The expressway spans 94.5 kilometers, starting from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and ending in Kiwale, Pune.

One of the biggest advantages of this expressway is that it has reduced the travel time between Mumbai and Pune from three hours to just one hour. The maximum speed limit allowed on the road is 100 km per hour. The expressway features tunnels, underpasses, and stunning views of the Sahyadri mountains, making the journey both efficient and scenic. It was constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

The toll charges for using the expressway vary based on the type of vehicle. Cars and jeeps are charged Rs 320 for a one-way journey, while mini-buses and tempos have to pay Rs 495. Buses are charged Rs 940, and different categories of trucks are required to pay between Rs 685 and Rs 2,165.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is a major milestone in India’s road development, offering faster, safer, and more efficient travel between two of Maharashtra’s key cities.