Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link Set to Revolutionize Travel, Nears Completion; Expected Opening by August
The long-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is in its final stages, promising to significantly reduce travel time and improve road safety. This major infrastructure upgrade, overseen by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), aims to enhance connectivity between Khalapur and the Khopoli Interchange, as well as from Khopoli Exit to Kusgaon near Sinhgad Institute.
A Game-Changer for Commuters
Once completed, the realignment will shorten the existing 19-kilometer stretch to just 13.3 kilometers, leading to a 20-25 minute reduction in travel time. Commuters can expect a smoother and safer journey with:
- Lower fuel consumption, leading to cost savings
- Reduced vehicular emissions, improving air quality
- Less congestion on the ghat section
- Fewer accident-prone spots
The project will be particularly beneficial for the Borghat section, a well-known bottleneck due to heavy traffic and frequent slowdowns. Additionally, the new alignment will minimize disruptions caused by landslides during the monsoon, ensuring more reliable year-round travel between Mumbai and Pune.
Maharashtra’s First Cable-Stayed Highway
A key highlight of this project is Maharashtra’s first cable-stayed highway, which includes a 180-meter-tall bridge that eliminates the need to navigate the treacherous Khandala Ghat. This ambitious engineering feat, constructed in the rugged Sahyadri mountains, has faced challenges due to unpredictable weather, especially during the monsoon.
The Missing Link project also features two four-lane tunnels connecting Khopoli Exit to Kusgaon:
- The first tunnel spans 8.87 kilometers
- The second tunnel is 1.67 kilometers long
Currently, 98% of the tunneling work is complete, with final touches being expedited to meet the revised deadline.
Inspection and Deadline Push
On Tuesday, Maharashtra’s Public Works Minister Meghna Sakore-Bordikar conducted an inspection of the project and instructed officials to ensure completion by August. She emphasized the need for top-quality construction to provide commuters with a seamless and safe travel experience.
Although the MSRDC initially planned to complete the project by December 2024, unforeseen delays have pushed the timeline forward. With construction now 90% complete, efforts are being ramped up to finalize the remaining work before the next monsoon season.
A Smoother Ride Ahead
With the Missing Link project nearing its final phase, daily commuters and logistics operators can look forward to a more efficient, faster, and safer Mumbai-Pune travel experience. By August 2025, this long-awaited upgrade is expected to transform one of Maharashtra’s busiest highways, offering reduced congestion, enhanced road safety, and a significant cut in travel time.
