The Khambataki tunnel project on the Pune-Satara national highway is nearly 90 percent complete, with one of the tunnels now open to the public for trial runs.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched the left tunnel on 17 January, 2026, allowing only light vehicles to use it, as work on the viaduct near the Pune exit is still ongoing. Motorists have responded positively to the tunnel, reporting a smoother and faster journey compared to the old, accident-prone Khambataki ghat, which is notorious for its dangerous curves and steep gradients. The left tunnel is 1,307 mtrs. long, while the right tunnel measures 1,224 mtrs.

Once fully operational, including the second tunnel, travel time through the ghat is expected to drop from 30-45 minutes to just 10-15 minutes. This project aims to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and significantly cut travel time on this critical route.