Mumbai is the financial capital of India and is one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world.
Situated around 150Kms away from Mumbai is one of India’s fastest growing cities Pune. Both these cities are also educational hubs and form the nucleus of the growing economy in the state of Maharashtra. Everyday tens of thousands commuters travel between these two cities for business and recreational purposes. This blog focuses on a road-trip on one of India’s premier roads The Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai Pune Expressway.
The two cities were previously connected by the old NH4 which could not cater to the growing traffic between the two cities. Right from Dehu Road in Pune to Panvel in Mumbai, the travellers enjoy a
hassle-free journey due to the presence of many pit-stops. One can travel on this road at any time of the day or night thanks to the sufficient signboards and well-lit tunnels. Tunnels! You heard it right.
The expressway passes through 6 tunnels which ensure that the drive is seamless.
Travelling in this part of India makes you feel close to nature as the road passes by forests and scenic hill stations. As one approaches the towns of Lonavala and Khandala, panoramic views of the Western Ghats greet you. For those who are on a holiday and have time on your hands, do spend a day or two at these picturesque locations.
There are many resorts and home-stays at Lonavala and Khandala. Rains during the monsoon season paint the ghats in wonderful shades of green and it is not uncommon to find travellers stop by to capture these spectacular views. Though please be warned that you are not allowed to stop anywhere on the expressway except at the rest areas.
For those who are travelling to Mumbai to catch an international flight or to attend a board room meeting, just carry your essentials and luggage. You need not worry about food and refreshments as there are several clean restaurants and delivery centres which serve tasty dishes in a jiffy. Sunny da Dhaba located near Lonavala is famous for its north-Indian and Chinese varieties. There is also a McDonald’s delivery outlet at Talegaon.
Travel Tips:-
1. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has two tolls – one at Khalapur and the other at Talegaon.
2. Stay wary of the speeding long-distance buses and heavy vehicles as they have been found veering from one lane to another.
3. Make sure you pay attention to the signboards and ensure that you do not slow down inside the
tunnels.
4. Commuters travelling to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport can choose a trusted outstation Pune to Mumbai taxi as they ensure that you reach your destination on time with no extra costs.
5. There are hardly any fuel stations on the expressway. Make sure you have adequate fuel in your vehicles at the start of the journey.
6. Ensure you drive within the acceptable speed limits for safety and also to avoid tyre bursts.
7. Make sure to pay extra attention during rains especially if you don’t have experience of driving in the kind of heavy rains that this region witnesses.
8. Look out for extra heavy traffic while entering and exiting Mumbai. Choose non-peak hours if feasible or hire a cab to reduce travel time, fatigue and irritation.
