New Khambataki Ghat Tunnel to Open on Trial Basis, Slashing Pune–Satara Travel Time

Mumbai: In a major boost to road infrastructure in Maharashtra, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will open the left-hand side tube of the newly constructed Khambataki Ghat Tunnel on the Pune–Satara National Highway on a trial basis from January 17, 2026, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on social media.

Sharing a video of the project on X (formerly Twitter), the minister said the tunnel would dramatically reduce travel time through the accident-prone ghat section—from nearly 45 minutes to just seven minutes—marking a significant improvement in connectivity and commuter safety.

🛣️ In Maharashtra, NHAI is set to open the Left-Hand Side tube of the New Khambataki Ghat Tunnel on the Pune-Satara National Highway on a trial basis from 17 January 2026. The project will reduce travel time through the ghat from around 45 minutes to just 7 minutes.

The package… pic.twitter.com/wSBtdPUGr4

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 17, 2026

Engineering Feat in the Western Ghats

The Khambataki Ghat stretch, located along National Highway 48, is a critical but challenging section of the Pune–Bengaluru corridor, often affected by sharp curves, heavy traffic, and adverse weather conditions. The new tunnel has been designed to bypass the steep and winding ghat road, offering a safer and faster alternative for both passenger and commercial vehicles.

According to NHAI officials, the tunnel is equipped with modern safety and monitoring systems, including advanced ventilation, lighting, CCTV surveillance, emergency exits, and fire safety mechanisms, in line with international standards.

Economic and Safety Impact

Once fully operational, the tunnel is expected to significantly improve logistics efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower vehicle emissions by cutting down congestion and idling time in the ghat section. It is also expected to reduce accident rates in a stretch long considered one of the most hazardous on the highway.

The trial opening of the left-hand tube will allow authorities to assess traffic flow, safety systems, and operational readiness before the remaining sections are commissioned.

Part of a Larger Highway Modernisation Drive

The Khambataki Ghat Tunnel is part of the Centre’s broader push to modernise India’s national highway network through tunnels, elevated corridors, and access-controlled expressways, particularly in ecologically sensitive and high-traffic regions.

With the trial run set to begin later this week, commuters travelling between Pune and Satara can expect a smoother, faster, and safer journey—signalling yet another milestone in India’s expanding road infrastructure landscape.