The government has finalised a comprehensive ₹6,000 crore plan to upgrade the highway connecting Pune and Kolhapur, according to the latest detailed project report (DPR) submitted by the authorities. The announcement was made by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, following a discussion in Parliament triggered by concerns over safety and prolonged delays on the route. 
The proposed upgrade covers several elements: widening and strengthening the existing Pune–Satara stretch, development of service lanes along the western bypass, and full upgrades to certain portions of the Satara–Kolhapur corridor.  Construction is already underway near the Khambatki Ghat, where two tunnels are being constructed to ease traffic flow, one of which is close to completion. 
The upgrade aims to address chronic congestion, improve travel safety, and reduce journey time, especially for commuters and tourists travelling between Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, and onward toward Bengaluru. Previously troublesome zones such as bottlenecks near the Navale Bridge and the bypass around Katraj are expected to be significantly improved. 
Responding to public concern over repeated delays and accidents, Gadkari assured that the renovations and repairs will be completed within a year. The plan includes awarding contracts for the Satara-Kolhapur stretch, and a review meeting with senior officials has been scheduled to expedite the work and address all bottlenecks. 
If executed on time, the project could drastically improve connectivity across this important corridor in western Maharashtra benefiting thousands of travellers every day while boosting regional transport efficiency.