The proposed greenfield expressway connecting Pune in Maharashtra and Bengaluru in Karnataka is nearing final approval, with construction expected to begin soon. This ambitious infrastructure project, part of the Bharatmala Project, aims to significantly reduce travel time from 14-15 hours to just 7 hours. The expressway will cover approximately 700 kilometers and will be a six-lane highway, expandable to eight lanes in select areas. With an estimated cost between ₹45,000 crore and ₹50,000 crore (roughly $5.4 billion to $6 billion USD), it will enhance connectivity between major economic hubs and facilitate smoother movement of goods. The route will pass through key districts including Satara and Sangli in Maharashtra and Belagavi in Karnataka, impacting numerous villages along the way. The project is expected to stimulate industrial growth, improve logistics, and generate employment opportunities, thus playing a vital role in the Mumbai-Pune-Bengaluru industrial corridor. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has emphasized the project's importance in advancing the country's infrastructure plans.