Construction activity has intensified on both sides of the Warje Bridge as part of the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) efforts to ease traffic congestion on the Mumbai–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48). Work on the parallel bridge and service roads along the Mutha River has gathered pace, with girders currently being installed.

NHAI officials said the newly constructed service roads are expected to open for traffic soon, providing much-needed relief to commuters facing long delays during peak hours.

The highway passes through key Pune neighbourhoods such as Vadgaon Budruk, Narhe, Ambegaon Budruk, and Warje, and is heavily used by local residents. The absence of service roads on either side has forced vehicles to use the main carriageway, leading to severe congestion, especially near the narrow Warje bridge section.

“Construction is progressing rapidly on both sides of the bridge to create additional lanes and service roads between Warje and Sinhagad,” an NHAI official said. “Once operational, these improvements will significantly ease traffic movement in the area.”

The foundation stone for the project was laid in September 2024 by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and construction has since been advancing swiftly.

According to project timelines, the right-side bridge—towards Vadgaon Budruk–Warje—is scheduled for completion by December 2025, while the left-side bridge—towards Chandni Chowk–Satara—is expected to be finished by March 2026.

Upon completion, the twin bridges and service roads are anticipated to substantially reduce congestion along one of Pune’s busiest highway corridors, improving connectivity for both local commuters and long-distance travellers.