Mumbai–Pune Missing Link Project in Final Stages: Safer, Faster Drive Expected as Completion Likely in December 2025

Travel between Mumbai and Pune, already shortened by the Expressway, is set for another big leap forward. The much-awaited Missing Link Project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is nearing completion and promises to cut travel time by around 30 minutes.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is building this 13.3-km, eight-lane, access-controlled stretch to bypass the congested and accident-prone Lonavala–Khandala ghat section. Once ready, it will reduce the overall distance by nearly six kilometres and allow vehicles to cruise at speeds of up to 120 kmph — making the drive safer and faster.

Engineering Marvel

This is not just another highway addition. The project features:

• Two major tunnels – one 9 km long and another 2 km long
• A 650-metre cable-stayed bridge at Tiger Valley, soaring 132 feet above ground
• A viaduct rising nearly 180 metres, making it one of the tallest structures of its kind in India

The tunnels run beneath Lonavala Lake, and the bridge is expected to become an iconic landmark once operational.

Progress and Delays

Work began in 2019, but the scale of construction and difficult terrain have pushed the project past four deadlines. As of now, about 96% of the work is finished. Tunnels and the first viaduct are complete, while the bridge and the second viaduct are in their final stages.

The last phase focuses on crucial safety checks — including lighting, ventilation, monitoring systems, and emergency exits — along with mandatory certifications and environmental clearances.

Official Visits and Timeline

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have reviewed the project, praising the engineering efforts but stressing that safety must not be compromised. Authorities have hinted that the inauguration could happen in December 2025, provided all systems pass testing.

Benefits for Maharashtra

• Reduced travel time and smoother traffic flow
• Improved safety, bypassing a section notorious for accidents and landslides
• Boost to the economy, spurring growth in logistics, real estate, tourism, and industry across western Maharashtra

A Major Milestone Ahead

Despite delays, the Missing Link is poised to become a landmark in Indian infrastructure. By easing congestion and ensuring safer travel, it will reshape connectivity between Mumbai and Pune while fueling regional development.