STN: The Pagote-Chouk Expressway project in Maharashtra has reached a major milestone. Construction bids for the expressway will open on January 1, 2026, marking the next step toward building a faster and more direct road link between key transport corridors in the state.
The project involves a 29.3 km long, six-lane, greenfield expressway. It will create an access-controlled route connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPT) with NH48, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and the Mumbai–Goa Highway. Once completed, the expressway is expected to play a critical role in easing traffic congestion and improving freight movement.
What the Pagote-Chouk Expressway Will Include
The Pagote-Chouk Expressway has been designed as a modern highway with multiple large structures to ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel. According to project details, the expressway will include:
- 6 major bridges
- 5 minor bridges
- 4 viaducts
- 2 tunnels
- Tunnel 1: 1.9 km
- Tunnel 2: 1.57 km
These features will help the road navigate challenging terrain while maintaining high safety and speed standards.
Faster Travel Between Pune, Mumbai, and JNPT
One of the biggest advantages of the Pagote-Chouk Expressway is the sharp reduction in travel time. Vehicles coming from Pune will be able to exit the Mumbai–Pune Expressway just 10 km after the Khalapur toll plaza. From there, they can directly reach the Chirle interchange of Atal Setu in around 20 minutes.
This direct connectivity will bring Mumbai and Pune closer than ever before. It will also make travel to JNPT faster, which is expected to benefit logistics operators, exporters, and daily commuters.
Project Timeline and Execution Plan
The government has set a clear execution schedule for the Pagote-Chouk Expressway. The total project duration is 30 months from the date of commencement of construction. Once the bidding process is completed and work begins, authorities aim to maintain steady progress to meet this deadline.
Officials see this expressway as a long-term investment in Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure. It will reduce dependency on congested city roads and improve access to ports and highways.
Economic and Regional Impact
The Pagote-Chouk Expressway will support economic growth in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and nearby industrial zones.. Faster port access will lower logistics costs. Smoother road travel will also help reduce fuel consumption and vehicle delays.
By linking major highways and JNPT directly, the expressway will strengthen Maharashtra’s role as a key trade and transport hub.
FAQs
A: The expressway is 29.3 km long and will have six lanes.
A: Construction bids will open on January 1, 2026.
A: The project deadline is 30 months from the start of construction.
A: Pune-bound vehicles can reach Atal Setu in about 20 minutes after exiting the Mumbai–Pune Expressway near Khalapur.
A: Yes, authorities will develop the Pagote-Chouk Expressway as a fully access-controlled greenfield expressway.
A: It provides a direct and faster link to JNPT, improving freight movement and reducing congestion on existing roads.