If youve ever traveled on highways or expressways youve likely encountered toll plazas where you pay a fee to continue your journey. However the expressway we’re talking about today is not just any road; it’s India’s most expensive and busiest expressway the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This iconic expressway is also the oldest and first six-lane expressway in India connecting the country’s financial capital Mumbai with Pune. Opened in 2002 the expressway was a vision of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It took a staggering 22 years to complete though portions of it were operational as early as 2000. A costly yet time-saving marvel Stretching 94.5 kilometers the Mumbai-Pune Expressway begins at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and ends at Kiwale in Pune. Constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) not the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) the expressway features three-lane concrete service roads on both sides. The expressway cost approximately Rs. 16300 crore to build and has significantly reduced travel time between Mumbai and Pune. What used to be a 3-hour journey now takes just 1 hour saving commuters up to 2 hours per trip. This time efficiency has made the expressway immensely popular among daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike. Stunning scenic views One of the most striking features of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is its route through the Sahyadri mountain range. To navigate the terrain tunnels and underpasses have been constructed offering breathtaking views of the hills. The expressway has a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour making it a smooth and scenic ride. The price of convenience The expressways toll rates are among the highest in the country. For cars a one-way journey costs Rs. 336 which translates to approximately Rs. 3.40 per kilometer. In comparison the average toll on other expressways in India is about Rs. 2.40 per kilometer. This means travelers on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway pay Rs. 1 more per kilometer. Despite the high toll the expressway remains a popular choice for its time-saving benefits. To use the expressway travelers must ensure their FASTag is adequately recharged as it’s the primary payment method at the toll plazas. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is more than just a road; it’s a symbol of modern infrastructure connecting two of Maharashtra’s busiest cities with efficiency and style. While it demands a hefty toll the benefits of reduced travel time scenic views and smooth driving make it a preferred route for countless travelers.