Pune – Sambhajinagar Expressway: A Strategic Infrastructure Corridor in Maharashtra
The proposed Pune – Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Expressway is set to become a key addition to Maharashtra’s infrastructure landscape. This six-lane, access-controlled greenfield expressway will span approximately 225 kilometers, significantly improving connectivity between western and central Maharashtra. Developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojna (BMP), the project is being implemented by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC).
Designed to reduce the travel time between Pune and Aurangabad from the current 4–5 hours to just 2 hours, the expressway will integrate with the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway), enhancing multi-directional connectivity across the state.
Project Specifications
- Length: Approx. 225 km
- Lanes: Six-lane, access-controlled highway
- Right of Way (RoW): 70 meters
- Estimated Project Cost: ₹10,000 crore
- Implementation Model: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
- Nodal Agency: MSIDC
Project Background and Strategic Context
Initially conceptualized by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the expressway’s implementation was later entrusted to MSIDC to facilitate faster execution under state-level planning. The corridor will traverse three districts—Pune, Ahmednagar, and Aurangabad—and pass through five talukas: Bhor, Purandhar, Haveli, Daund, and Shirur.
The alignment through regions like Paithan and Ahmednagar has been selected to optimize land use, accessibility, and connectivity to economic zones. The expressway is expected to ease congestion on existing highway routes and serve as a high-speed logistics spine in Maharashtra.
Land Acquisition and Development Status
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been completed, though it remains unpublished. Land acquisition commenced in December 2022 under the provisions of Section 3(A) of the National Highways Act. Acquisition efforts currently target 24 villages across Aurangabad and Paithan talukas.
Current Status:
- DPR: Completed
- Land Acquisition: Ongoing (initiated December 2022)
- Construction Tenders: Not yet invited
- Route Alignment: Under final review; three alignment options under consideration
Areas Affected by Land Acquisition
Aurangabad Taluka: Peerwadi, Hirapur, Sunderwadi, Zalta, Adgaon B.K., Chincholi, Ghardon
Paithan Taluka: Varwandi Khurd, Pargaon, Dongaon, Balanagar, Kapuswadi, Wadala, Vava, Varudi B.K., Pachalgaon, Narayangaon, Karanjkheda, Akhatwara, Waghadi, Dadegaon Jahangir, Pategaon, Saigaon, Paithan MC 1
Expected Impact
The Pune – Sambhajinagar Expressway will:
- Reduce intercity travel time and vehicle operating costs
- Enhance supply chain efficiency across major industrial and agricultural zones
- Support the development of new logistics hubs and growth centers along its alignment
- Strengthen Maharashtra’s expressway network by creating a seamless linkage with the Samruddhi Mahamarg
Next Steps
MSIDC is currently finalizing the project alignment and preparing for the bidding phase. Once the land acquisition phase is substantially completed and approvals are in place, tendering for construction is expected to follow.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on the Pune – Sambhajinagar Expressway
What is the Pune – Sambhajinagar Expressway?
The Pune – Sambhajinagar Expressway is a proposed six-lane, access-controlled greenfield highway that will connect Pune to Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). It aims to reduce travel time between the two cities from 4–5 hours to about 2 hours.
Who is developing the expressway?
The project is being developed by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) under the Bharatmala Pariyojna (BMP). It was initially proposed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
What is the total length and cost of the expressway?
Length: Approximately 225 kilometers
Estimated Cost: ₹10,000 crore
What is the current status of the project?
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been finalized.
Land acquisition began in December 2022 and is currently underway.
Construction tenders have not yet been floated.
The final route alignment is still under evaluation with three possible routes.
Which districts and talukas will the expressway pass through?
The expressway will pass through Pune, Ahmednagar, and Aurangabad districts and five talukas: Bhor, Purandhar, Haveli, Daund, and Shirur.
Will the expressway connect to any major highways?
Yes, it will connect to the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway), improving access to a larger expressway network.
What are the benefits of the project?
Reduced travel time and fuel consumption
Enhanced regional connectivity
Improved logistics and freight movement
Economic development along the corridor
Decongestion of existing roadways
What is the width of the Right of Way (RoW)?
The planned RoW for the expressway is 70 meters.
Which villages are affected by land acquisition?
A total of 24 villages are impacted in the initial phase, primarily from Aurangabad and Paithan talukas. Villages include Peerwadi, Hirapur, Sunderwadi, Zalta, Adgaon B.K., Varwandi Khurd, Pargaon, and others.
Has a construction start date been announced?
As of now, no official construction start date has been announced. Tenders will be issued once land acquisition and final route alignment are completed.
Will there be tolls on the expressway?
As an access-controlled expressway, tolls are expected to be implemented, though specific toll policies will be announced closer to project completion.