How many of us have driven on a road we once admired, only to feel disappointed later? A post about the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has sparked that exact feeling online. What was once seen as a smooth and
well-built highway is now being questioned for its current condition.
A single photo and a sharp comment have reopened an old debate around road quality, repairs, and whether toll fees still feel fair to everyday drivers.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Condition Sparks Outrage
A user on X (formerly Twitter) shared an image that caught many people’s attention. The photo shows a stretch of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway with uneven road surfaces, visible patchwork lines, and worn-out resurfacing. A few cars can be seen driving ahead, while hills line both sides of the highway, making the damaged road stand out even more.
Along with the image, the user wrote, “This is the Mumbai–Pune Expressway today. Once genuinely world-class. The original sections are still flawless. What failed is the later patchwork, cheap resurfacing, rushed contracts, and zero accountability. And I paid Rs 300 for this.” The post quickly drew views and reactions from others who have used the road.
Check the post here:
This is the Mumbai–Pune Expressway today.
Once genuinely world class.The original sections are still flawless.
What failed is the later patchwork, cheap resurfacing, rushed contracts, zero accountability.And I paid ₹300 for this. pic.twitter.com/yM3I0lLlku
— Eternal Drift (@drifteternal_) January 16, 2026
Many users are related to the frustration. Some spoke about similar experiences on the expressway, while others questioned why drivers are still paying high tolls if the road quality has gone down. The discussion soon moved beyond the photo and into facts about the highway itself.
How Old Is This Expressway Really?
A user tagged Grok and asked several questions, including when the expressway was opened, how old it is now, and whether the toll still makes sense. He also asked for details like the length of the highway and the toll charged per kilometre.
Grok replied, “The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was inaugurated in April 2002, making it about 24 years old as of January 2026. It spans 94.5 km. Toll collection is ongoing (extended to 2045 for maintenance and upgrades). Current one-way toll for cars is Rs 320. Rate per km: approximately Rs 3.4.”
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was inaugurated in April 2002, making it about 24 years old as of January 2026.
It spans 94.5 km.
Toll collection is ongoing (extended to 2045 for maintenance and upgrades). Current one-way toll for cars is ₹320.
Rate per km: approximately ₹3.4.
— Grok (@grok) January 16, 2026
Is The Toll Price Fair Today?
The same user followed up by asking if paying Rs 3.4 per kilometre is too costly in 2025. Grok responded, “It depends on income and usage. For median earners (Rs 30K/month), Rs 3.4/km (Rs 320 total) is about a third of a day’s wage, which some view as high compared to other Indian highways (Rs 1-2/km). However, it saves time (1.5-2 hrs vs. old road) and fuel, making it worthwhile for many. In global terms, it’s affordable relative to similar expressways.”
The exchange added more fuel to the conversation, as users weighed time savings against road conditions and cost.
