Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that a road network worth around Rs 600 bn will be developed in and around Pune to make the city congestion and pollution free. The announcement was made at the Festival of Thinkers at Symbiosis International University, Lavale, on the theme Infrastructure Development – The Road to Viksit Bharat. He said several major projects are being taken up as part of the plan. The projects form part of a broader national infrastructure push aimed at enhancing urban mobility and reducing environmental impact. Major projects listed include the Pune–Shirur, Hadapsar–Yavat, Talegaon–Chakan–Shikrapur and Shirur–Sambhajinagar corridors. The proposed Pune–Sambhajinagar expressway is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to around two hours and to improve long distance connectivity. The minister indicated that these links will be developed to high expressway standards. They are to be designed to modern expressway specifications to ensure higher speeds and safer travel. The Pune–Satara and Pune–Solapur highways will be upgraded while elevated road projects and new expressways will further strengthen connectivity between Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru. These measures are intended to divert through traffic away from Pune and to reduce congestion within the city. Improved road infrastructure is projected to boost tourism, support industries and create employment opportunities. Fewer stoppages and smoother flows are expected to lower vehicular emissions and to improve logistics efficiency. The minister added that technology, research, transparency and faster decision making are driving infrastructure development across the country. He said these factors would accelerate project delivery and enhance efficiency in construction and maintenance. The plan aims to create a durable network that supports regional economic growth and environmental objectives. Integrated planning is to align road works with urban development and public transport needs. The measures are intended to deliver long term benefits for commuters and businesses and to strengthen regional connectivity. The initiative is presented as a strategic effort to foster sustainable and inclusive development through improved transport infrastructure.