Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link to Be Ready in 8 Months, Reducing Travel Time by 30 Minutes
The much-anticipated Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project, aimed at cutting travel time between the two cities, is nearing completion and is expected to be ready in the next eight months. This ambitious project promises to reduce the travel distance by over six kilometers and the journey time by a significant 30 minutes, providing much-needed relief to commuters traveling through the congested Lonavala ghat section.
Asia’s Widest Tunnel to Ease Traffic
One of the highlights of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link is the construction of Asia’s widest tunnel, which is almost complete. This development is set to bring substantial respite to commuters, especially those facing frequent traffic jams in the Lonavala region. The project, undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), will significantly improve traffic flow between Khopoli exit and Sinhgad Institute in Kusgaon.
- The existing stretch of 19.8 km from Khopoli to Kusgaon will be reduced to 13.3 km.
- The Missing Link includes a tunnel of 8.9 km, cutting through the hill section.
- Two bridges, one 840 meters and the other 650 meters long, will further ease travel.
According to Rakesh Sonawane, the executive engineer at MSRDC, “The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link is in its advanced stages, with tunnel construction 98% complete, and the project is slated to be fully operational by May next year.”
Fuel Savings and Reduced Wear and Tear
The completion of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link will not only reduce travel time but also save commuters money. The new road will save approximately ₹1 crore worth of fuel every day, as per MSRDC estimates. Additionally, the route is expected to reduce vehicle wear and tear, providing a smoother and less taxing commute.
- The road will feature parallel routes for each direction, with four lanes and an emergency lane on both sides.
- The project will include a 650-meter-long cable-stayed bridge, standing on one of the tallest pillars in the country, measuring 181.77 meters.
Addressing Safety Concerns
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link is being developed with a focus on safety. The new route aims to transform the Lonavala ghat section into a “zero fatality corridor.” Emergency medical services will be available along the route, and a public address system will provide real-time instructions to commuters.
There will be a complete ban on halting vehicles in the entire stretch, and the number of toll booths will be increased to ensure smoother traffic flow.
Project Delayed Due to Pandemic
Initially scheduled for completion in 2022, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work on the tunnel and bridge is now on track, with the final touches on the 840-meter cable-stayed bridge expected to be completed by May next year. Despite the delays, MSRDC is confident that the project will deliver significant benefits once operational.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project, with its ₹6,595-crore investment, is set to change the dynamics of travel between the two cities, cutting travel time, improving safety, and reducing congestion on one of India’s busiest highways.
