Discover India’s First High-Speed Highway, Which Is Also the Most Expensive in Terms of Tolls and It Turns 25
India’s Most Expensive Highway is also the country's first high speed corridor that turns 25
For 25 years, one highway has been at the forefront of India’s infrastructure development, transforming travel between two major cities. Spanning 94.5 kilometers, this expressway has drastically reduced travel time, making it a crucial link between Mumbai and Pune. But there’s more to this road than just speed and convenience—it also holds a significant distinction that sets it apart from all other highways in the country.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India’s first high-speed expressway, has not only transformed travel between Mumbai and Pune but has now become the country’s most expensive national highway. Opened in 1999, the expressway has drastically cut down the travel time between the two cities from 3 hours to just 1 hour. Spanning 94.5 kilometers, it begins at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and ends at Kiwale in Pune.
The construction of this iconic expressway, costing approximately Rs 1,630 crore, was completed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) with significant funding from then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. What makes it even more significant today is that it is not only a symbol of engineering marvel but also holds the title of being the most expensive highway in India due to the annual toll hikes it attracts.
In April 2023, the toll on this expressway was revised to Rs 320 for regular vehicles (up from Rs 270), while other vehicle types such as minibuses, tempos, and buses saw a significant increase in toll fees. A cumulative hike of 18% is implemented every three years, contributing to the growing cost of using the expressway, with toll rates set to remain stable until 2030.
While the expressway is a crucial connector for thousands of travelers, goods transport, and commuters, it also sets a high benchmark for future infrastructure projects. With Vision 2047 aiming to build 50,000 km of access-controlled highways, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is not just a lifeline for both cities but also a cornerstone in India’s ambitious highway expansion plans.
