Elevated Corridor on NH-48 from Dehu Road to Narhe: Gadkari Directs NHAI to Speed Up Work

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite the work of on proposed elevated corridor project along the Pune–Bengaluru Highway (NH-48) within the PMC and PCMC limits.

During a meeting held on August 7, Gadkari directed officials to submit the proposal before the Union Cabinet and start the tendering process simultaneously to avoid further delays.

Its been almost four years that this project has in planning to decongest areas in PCMC and PMC along the sides of Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48). NHAI had prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the 32-km stretch between Dehu Road and Narhe, divided into two packages: Dehu Road to Pashan-Sus and Pashan-Sus to Narhe. The estimated cost is between ₹5,500 crore and ₹6,000 crore.

The delay so far has been due to arbitration issues with the concessionaire managing the 140-km stretch between Dehu Road and Shendre village in Satara. The company is entitled to toll collection, which resulted in disputes. According to NHAI officials, these legal issues are expected to be resolved soon.

Maval MP Shrirang Barne had raised the matter in Parliament in August 2024. Responding to that, Gadkari had assures that the government was exploring mutual termination of the existing contract.

The elevated corridor is essential for reducing traffic congestion on the Pune–Bengaluru highway, especially within city limits under PMC and PCMC, where there is heavy traffic during peak hours mostly due to many employees traveling to work in nearby IT parks. With widespread housing and commercial development along this highway, the national highway has become an essential link for thousands of daily commuters.