The construction of the 53.4 km Pune-Shirur six-lane elevated highway is set to commence by June or July, according to officials from the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC). The Rs 75.15-billion project has completed its second pre-bid process, with tender allocation anticipated in April or May.

The project aims to ease congestion and enhance road conditions on the Pune-Shirur route. It will be constructed under the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model with a 30-year concession period. Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar highlighted the project in the state Budget for 2025-26, stressing its importance for improved connectivity.

Approved by the state cabinet in 2024, the project will require 41 hectares of land and is expected to be completed within four years. It will ultimately connect to the Samruddhi Highway and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The elevated highway was initially under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) but was later transferred to MSIDC following a memorandum of understanding between the central and state governments. MSIDC reissued tenders after NHAI’s initial process was cancelled.

Officials have confirmed that minimal land acquisition will be necessary, as the elevated corridor will run alongside the existing Pune-Shirur highway. The project will also include enhancements to the current road network.

Commuters on the Pune-Shirur road are hopeful that MSIDC will meet the proposed timeline.