December 2025 Target-Or Another Miss? Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ Still Not Ready
December 2025 Target-Or Another Miss? Mumbai-Pune Expressway 'Missing Link' Still Not Ready
Mumbai–Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ Hits Another Delay: Spectacular Bridge Over Khandala Valley Pushes Opening to 2026
The long-awaited Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link Project, designed to cut down travel time by nearly 25 minutes and make the treacherous Khandala Ghat section safer, has been hit by another delay. The project, which was earlier slated for completion by December 2025, is now expected to open by April 2026, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed.
Officials cited that the primary reason for the delay is the complex construction of the 650-metre-long cable-stayed bridge near Tiger Valley, which forms the most technically demanding portion of the entire corridor. While over 96% of the work on the project is complete, the remaining segment has faced repeated interruptions due to high-velocity winds, heavy monsoon rains, and the deep valley terrain. These conditions have made precision engineering and safety checks both essential and time-consuming.
The Missing Link Project stretches across 13.3 km, of which 10.6 km comprises twin tunnels already completed and operationally ready. The final segment—a cable-stayed bridge soaring 180 metres above the valley floor—will connect these tunnels and serve as one of the highest bridges in India once completed.
MSRDC officials said that though the delay may frustrate motorists, safety cannot be compromised for speed. “We’re dealing with one of the most complex geological zones in the Western Ghats. Our priority is to ensure the structure’s long-term stability and safety,” said an official involved in the project.
Once opened, the Missing Link will bypass the winding and accident-prone Khandala Ghat section, offering smoother gradients, better visibility, and significantly improved traffic flow. It is expected to reduce accidents, shorten travel time between Mumbai and Pune, and provide a seamless high-speed corridor connecting the two cities.
The project, estimated to cost over ₹6,600 crore, is one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings and is being closely monitored by the state government.
