India's highest earning expressway: India's road infrastructure is growing at a fast pace, with Budget 2025 once again focusing on improving highways and expressways. The country has some of the most remarkable expressways, ranging from short routes to extensive ones. Among them, one expressway stands out as the highest-earning expressway, significantly contributing to government revenue.
Recent data released by IRB Infra Trust confirms that the Mumbai-Pune Expressway recorded the highest toll tax collection in December 2024. The total toll collected across various highways in the country was Rs 580 crore, and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway alone contributed Rs 163 crore, making it the most profitable expressway in India, as reported in Zee News. This marks an increase from December 2023, when the toll collection stood at Rs 158.4 crore.
Despite being approximately 94.5 km long, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway generates the highest revenue among all expressways in India. In comparison, the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway and NH48 together collected Rs 70.7 crore in December 2024, which is significantly lower than the earnings of this expressway.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway holds a special place in India's transport history as the country¡¯s first six-lane expressway. It is also one of the busiest and most expensive expressways in India. Since it connects Mumbai, the nation's financial capital, to Pune, a major industrial and educational hub, it remains a crucial route for daily commuters and businesses.
The construction of this expressway was overseen by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and it was officially opened in 2002. Unlike many other highways built under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
The expressway starts from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and stretches to Kiwale in Pune. To enhance connectivity and manage the heavy traffic flow, additional three-lane concrete service roads have been built on both sides of the expressway.
The total construction cost of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was estimated to be Rs 16,300 crore. Over the years, it has not only become the highest earning expressway but has also led to a rise in the number of daily commuters between the two cities.
With its high revenue generation, efficient connectivity, and robust infrastructure, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway continues to be one of the most vital road networks in India. It plays a key role in supporting economic growth and reducing travel time for millions of people every year.
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