Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ Project Nears Completion, Promises 30-Minute Time Reduction

Missing Link Project: New Tunnel and Bridge Almost Ready on Mumbai–Pune Route, Faster Travel Soon
Mumbai: The long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is expected to be completed by August 2025, cutting down travel time between the two cities by 30 minutes. Officials report that 92% of the work has been completed.
Project Overview
The 13.3-km missing link will reduce the current distance of 19.8 km between Khopoli exit and Sinhagad Institute by 5.7 km. The project, undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), aims to alleviate traffic congestion on the expressway, which handles approximately 60,000 vehicles daily.
Initially scheduled for completion in March 2024, the ₹6,600 crore project has faced multiple delays, pushing its deadline to August 2025. Work on the missing link began in March 2019.
Key Features of the Missing Link Project
- Widest Tunnel in Asia: The twin tunnels being built are 23.30 meters wide, with four lanes and an emergency lane in each tunnel. One of the tunnels is 8.87 km long.
- Cable-Stayed Bridge: A 650-meter cable-stayed bridge is under construction.
- Bypassing the Ghat Section: The project is designed to eliminate steep slopes and sharp turns in the ghat section, ensuring safer and faster travel.
- Tallest Bridge & Widest Tunnel: The missing link will house both the tallest bridge and the widest tunnel in Asia.
- Connectivity via Two Bridges: Two bridges are being constructed near Khopoli to connect the tunnels to the expressway.
- No Additional Toll: Travelers using the missing link will not have to pay an extra toll.
- Alternative Route Available: The existing ghat road will remain open for use. However, hazard-carrying vehicles will be required to take this route instead of the missing link.
Once operational, the missing link is expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance road safety on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.