Maharashtra News: Dy CM Ajit Pawar Urges Union Minister Nitin Gadkari To Widen 3 National Highways To Ease Pune's Traffic Congestion

Mumbai: To address the growing traffic congestion in Pune and its surrounding areas, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, demanding the immediate widening of three key national highways, National Highway (NH) 60 (Nashik Phata to Khed), NH 65 (Hadapsar to Yavat), and NH 548D (Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur).

Letter Sent to Nitin Gadkari

In the letter, Pawar highlighted that due to increasing urbanisation and industrial activity, traffic pressure in Pune and its metropolitan region has intensified drastically. He suggested that:

. NH-60 (currently 4-lane) should be widened to 6 lanes.

. NH-65 (currently 4-lane) should also be upgraded to 6 lanes.

. NH-548D (currently 2-lane) needs expansion to 4 lanes.

पुणे आणि परिसरातील वाहतूक कोंडी सोडवण्यासाठी या भागातून जाणाऱ्या राष्ट्रीय महामार्ग क्र. ६० (नाशिक फाटा ते खेड), राष्ट्रीय महामार्ग क्र. ६५ (हडपसर ते यवत) आणि राष्ट्रीय महामार्ग क्र. ५४८ डी (तळेगाव–चाकण–शिक्रापूर) या तिन्ही प्रमुख राष्ट्रीय महामार्गांचं तातडीनं रुंदीकरण करावं,… pic.twitter.com/vxK43PzTUY

— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) July 29, 2025

These roads pass through areas with educational institutions, industrial zones, residential complexes, hospitals, the petroleum and automobile industries, and major commercial hubs — all of which contribute to increased vehicular load and traffic snarls. He also raised concerns regarding the safety of commuters due to frequent bottlenecks.

Widening Proposal for Three NH Stretches

The Deputy CM pointed out that the vehicular density on these highways has surpassed permissible limits, and the expansion of lanes is now a critical requirement. Furthermore, the widened highways would serve as alternative routes during the upcoming construction of elevated corridors in the region.

Urban Growth Driving Highway Pressure

Since all three highways are linked to Pune’s city entry points, vehicles from outer regions are creating severe congestion while entering the city. Therefore, urgent attention and remedial action are necessary.

He also mentioned that widening of the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur stretch could temporarily support traffic flow until the final stage of the ongoing elevated highway tender is complete.

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Call for Swift Approval and Funding

Pawar appealed to Nitin Gadkari to approve the proposal swiftly and allocate the required funds and administrative clearances to help alleviate the traffic burden in Pune’s rapidly growing industrial corridor.