NH50 vs NH48: The Bangalore to Pune route I'd recommend right now

I’ve done this route multiple times by bus via National Highway 48, so this time I decided to take the lesser-known NH50 route.

BHPian shb19 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Just completed a round trip between Bangalore and Pune, and thought I’d share an update for anyone planning the same.

I’ve done this route multiple times by bus via the usual NH48, but with the current state of ongoing construction, especially after Belgaum, the journey has become painfully slow, often stretching to 17–19 hours.

So this time, I decided to take the lesser-known NH50 route, and honestly, it was a game-changer.

Route taken:

Bangalore → Chitradurga → Hosapete → Ilkal → Vijayapura → Solapur → Indapur → Pune

Here's my experience:

• Road quality: Surprisingly good throughout. Smooth tarmac, minimal potholes, and very few rough patches. A far better driving experience compared to the chaos of NH48 right now.
• Time taken: Managed to complete the stretch in 14–15 hours both ways with steady driving—significantly quicker than the current NH48 timings, can cruise at max speed limit throughout.

Drawbacks:

• Very few family-friendly eateries along the way. Plan your food stops carefully—carry snacks and water, especially if you're travelling with family.
• The route is dominated by truck traffic, and in case of a breakdown, help may not be readily available. You’re mostly on your own, so it’s best to avoid late-night travel on this stretch.

Final verdict:

Until the NH48 construction mess gets sorted, I’d strongly recommend NH50 for anyone doing this drive. It’s faster, smoother, and much less frustrating—just plan your essentials ahead and travel during the day. Not sure if none of the travels between Bangalore and Pune follow this route except one.

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