Traffic Relief : Flyover Approved for Pune-Solapur Highway

In a major step toward resolving persistent traffic issues on the Pune–Solapur Highway, the Maharashtra government has approved the construction of a 25-kilometer-long flyover between Hadapsar and Yavat. The project is expected to significantly ease congestion and facilitate smoother transportation of industrial and agricultural goods.

The flyover, to be built on National Highway 65, will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) at an estimated cost of ₹5,262.36 crore. In addition to the elevated road, the existing highway will be expanded to six lanes. A separate 6.5-kilometer stretch between Yavat and Solapur will also be widened to accommodate increased vehicular load.

The infrastructure project will be executed on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. Once completed, toll collection will be conducted exclusively through digital means, such as FASTag, GPS-based tracking, or other contactless payment systems. The state government has clarified that toll rates will be reviewed every three years.

Funding for the highway expansion component will be provided directly by the state government, while the flyover construction and associated infrastructure will be developed through a public-private partnership (PPP). The government hopes this integrated model will ensure faster completion and long-term maintenance of the corridor.

This flyover project mirrors other strategic infrastructure developments in the region, such as the Wagholi–Shirur flyover on the Pune–Ahmednagar Highway and the Pune–Aurangabad Greenfield project, both of which are designed to decongest traffic on the outskirts of Pune.

Officials noted that if alignment changes are needed in the future—such as adjustments to accommodate the proposed Pune Metro expansion—MSIDC will be required to seek fresh approvals from the state government.

The broader plan also includes the construction of a ring road around Pune to link all major highways, effectively diverting heavy traffic away from the city’s core. Work on the Wagholi–Shirur flyover is expected to commence soon, while the long-awaited “missing link” on the Pune–Mumbai Expressway is nearing completion, promising a 30-minute reduction in travel time and notable fuel savings.