Second Khambatki Tunnel Near Completion, Trial Run Expected Soon on Pune-Bengaluru Highway

With 86% work completed, NHAI is preparing for the trial of the second tunnel in Khambatki Ghat. Once operational, the old ghat road will be shut, cutting travel time significantly.

April 30, 2026 | Khandala: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to conduct a trial run of the second Khambatki tunnel on the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway, as the project nears completion. Officials confirmed that the second tunnel, being built to ease traffic and improve safety in the accident-prone Khambatki Ghat section, has reached its final phase with nearly 86% of the work completed.

The first tunnel in the ghat stretch is already functioning smoothly, allowing uninterrupted traffic flow. With vehicles currently passing through the first tunnel, preparations are underway to make the second tunnel operational for commuters in the coming weeks. NHAI officials said the trial of the second tunnel will be conducted shortly, and the tunnel is expected to open around June. However, there is also a strong possibility that the tunnel could be inaugurated ahead of schedule in May by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Located beyond Welhe village on the Pune side, the Khambatki tunnel project was taken up to bypass the narrow and risky old ghat road, which is known for sharp turns, congestion, and frequent accidents. The new infrastructure includes two modern six-lane tunnels, each with three lanes, designed to handle heavy traffic more efficiently.

Once the second tunnel becomes operational, the existing 8.5-kilometre ghat road is expected to be closed, eliminating dangerous bends and reducing the chances of accidents and vehicle damage. The upgraded tunnel system is projected to reduce travel time on the Pune–Satara route by 15 to 25 minutes, making the journey significantly faster.

According to officials, the new tunnel is wider than the old one and has improved safety systems, including upgraded lighting, CCTV surveillance, clearly marked emergency exits, reflective markings, and broader lanes for smoother vehicle movement. The project is also expected to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and vehicle wear and tear due to improved road conditions.

The Khambatki ghat section is a crucial link on the Mumbai–Pune–Bengaluru corridor, and the tunnel project is expected to benefit both local residents and tourists. Earlier, passing through the old tunnel and ghat stretch often took 15 to 20 minutes, but the new tunnel route is expected to allow vehicles to cross within just 5 to 7 minutes.

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