The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) is set to upgrade a 53.2 km corridor, the Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur road, on the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. In order to alleviate extreme traffic congestion, the state cabinet has given in-principle approval to invest around Rs 39 billion for the project, which links the Pune–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Mumbai–Pune national roads.
The authorised design is for the construction of a parallel four-lane “at-grade” road and an elevated four-lane highway along the Talegaon to Chakan stretch. A six-lane at-grade highway will be built between Chakan and Shikrapur.
The concession period will last up to 30 years or as determined by financial feasibility. The toll collecting system will make use of GPS-based technology or 100 per cent FASTag to guarantee real-time monitoring.
Additionally, MSIDC has been given permission to acquire the required land. Any changes to the route will need state permission beforehand, and MSIDC will be responsible for covering all associated costs.