The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Project Nears Completion, Launch Expected in August 2025
After years of anticipation, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway critical 13.3-km “Missing Link” is finally nearing the finish line, with 92% of construction completed and an August 2025 launch on the horizon. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has engineered this stretch to bypass the notorious Khandala Ghat—a serpentine, landslide-prone section that has long tested the patience of drivers.
The new eight-lane corridor promises to slash travel time by up to 30 minutes, trimming 5.7 km off the current route while offering a safer, smoother ride. Monsoon chaos, a recurring nightmare for commuters navigating the ghat’s steep gradients and foggy bends, will fade into memory as the alignment redirects traffic through two state-of-the-art tunnels and a pair of soaring cable-stayed bridges.
Asia’s Widest Tunnel Takes Center Stage
The crown jewel of the project is an 8.92-km tunnel stretching 23.75 meters wide—setting a record as Asia’s widest road tunnel. Designed to accommodate eight lanes and emergency pathways, this subterranean marvel will streamline traffic flow while shielding drivers from weather disruptions. Flanking it is a shorter 1.75-km tunnel and two bridges—770 meters and 645 meters long—crafted to withstand geological stresses.
With a price tag of ₹66 billion, the infrastructure feat prioritizes safety and efficiency. Landslide risks, a perennial concern on the old route, are mitigated through advanced engineering, ensuring year-round reliability. For daily commuters and logistics operators, the upgrade translates to fewer delays, lower fuel costs, and reduced wear-and-tear on vehicles.
As Maharashtra inches closer to unlocking this vital link, the ripple effects are clear: smoother intercity travel, bolstered economic ties, and a blueprint for future highway innovation.
