Nitin Gadkari Announces ₹50,000 Crore Road Projects; Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Two Hours
Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced road projects worth ₹50,000 crore, including a ₹16,000 crore highway that will cut Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar travel time to two hours.
Nagpur, December 15, 2025 – Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a major expansion of road infrastructure in Maharashtra, revealing projects worth ₹50,000 crore that aim to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time across the state. One of the most important projects includes a ₹16,000 crore road corridor that will enable commuters to travel between Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in just two hours.
Speaking in Nagpur, Gadkari said the government’s focus is on building high-quality, durable roads that support economic growth and improve road safety. He stressed that modern highways are essential for development and that Maharashtra is receiving special attention due to its economic importance and growing transport needs.
The Pune–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar road is expected to be built to international standards, allowing smooth and high-speed travel. Once completed, the project will drastically reduce travel time and improve access between western Maharashtra and the Marathwada region. Gadkari said the improved route will lower fuel consumption, reduce vehicle wear and make long-distance travel more comfortable.
The minister highlighted that better road connectivity directly impacts industries, trade and agriculture. Faster movement of goods will reduce logistics costs and help businesses operate more efficiently. Farmers, he said, will benefit from quicker access to markets, while improved roads will also boost tourism to religious and heritage destinations in the region.
Apart from the Pune–Sambhajinagar corridor, several other highway projects are underway across Maharashtra. These include widening existing roads, constructing bypasses to reduce congestion in cities, and upgrading accident-prone stretches. Gadkari said strict quality checks are being implemented to ensure roads last longer and require less frequent repairs.
Addressing concerns about delays, Gadkari stated that land acquisition and approval processes have been simplified to ensure faster execution. He also emphasised the use of modern construction technology and transparent tendering systems to maintain accountability and efficiency.
Industry leaders and transport experts have welcomed the announcement, saying the projects will improve mobility and strengthen regional development. Reduced travel time is expected to make daily commuting easier and open new opportunities for investment in Marathwada and surrounding regions.
Citizens have also expressed optimism, as many currently face long journeys and poor road conditions on existing routes. The new infrastructure is expected to improve safety and reduce accident risks by providing better-designed highways with proper signage and facilities.
Gadkari reiterated that infrastructure development remains a key priority for the central government. He said investment in roads creates long-term benefits, including employment generation and economic stability. According to him, Maharashtra’s improved road network will play a vital role in supporting the state’s future growth.
As the projects move forward, the focus will remain on timely completion and maintaining high construction standards. Once operational, the new roads are expected to transform travel across Maharashtra, bringing major cities closer and supporting balanced regional development.
