Travel between Pune and Nashik is on the verge of a dramatic transformation. Authorities have announced the construction of a brand new elevated corridor along National Highway 60, a project that is expected to reduce journey time between the two cities to just 20 minutes. Today, the drive usually takes close to two hours, making the new development one of the most ambitious infrastructure upgrades in Maharashtra.
The elevated corridor will cover a stretch of 28 kilometres, beginning at Nashik Phata in Pune and ending at Rajgurunagar in Khed. Land acquisition for the project has already begun, signalling the start of a plan that will not only reshape travel between Pune and Nashik but also provide relief to several towns and industrial zones along the route.
Surveys are currently underway in villages such as Nanekarwadi, Medankarwadi, Waki Khurd, Waki Budruk, Chimbali, Kuruli and Chakan. These areas are key to ensuring smooth land acquisition for access ramps and bypass routes that will feed into the main elevated road. The corridor will pass through some of the busiest industrial and commuter belts, offering a vital solution to traffic congestion that has long plagued the region.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this project is Chakan, an industrial hub that witnesses massive traffic snarls on a daily basis. With thousands of vehicles including trucks and private cars entering and exiting its industrial estates, the town has often faced bottlenecks that slow down movement for hours. To counter this, authorities have planned bypass roads through surrounding areas such as Kadachi Wadi and Kharabwadi, diverting pressure away from the main highway.
Officials have emphasised that this elevated corridor is not just about speed but about reimagining connectivity for the entire region. Reducing the Pune to Nashik journey to only 20 minutes will change the way residents, commuters and businesses use the route. It will also decongest smaller towns along the stretch where local residents often find themselves caught in heavy through traffic.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority is simultaneously working on several complementary road expansion projects to ensure smooth movement across the city. Stretches from Balewadi to Shedge Vasti, Surya Hospital to Thakar Vasti and the Nande Man Road are being widened and improved. Meanwhile, the ambitious Pune Ring Road project is advancing steadily, with land acquisition nearing completion in several sections. Together, these upgrades will make travel within Pune more efficient while aligning with the larger vision of regional connectivity.
For travellers, the promise of reaching Nashik in just 20 minutes opens up new possibilities. Nashik is one of India’s premier wine producing regions and a cultural destination known for its vineyards, temples and historic charm. The shortened travel time could turn weekend trips into quick getaways, boost tourism in Nashik and also strengthen economic links between Pune’s industrial belt and Nashik’s agricultural and cultural landscape.
This project is also being viewed as a critical step in supporting Maharashtra’s growth story. By cutting down travel time, easing logistics for industries, and opening up smoother access for tourists, the elevated corridor is set to reshape the way people move across one of the busiest travel routes in the state.
As work on land acquisition and groundwork continues, anticipation is already building. The prospect of driving between Pune and Nashik in the time it currently takes to cross just one crowded city junction is nothing short of transformative.
Follow Travel Moves on Instagram and Facebook for more updates on this project, along with inspiring travel stories and insights into the journeys that shape our world.
