VIDEO: Mumbai–Pune ‘Missing Link’ Project Nears Completion; A Remarkable Engineering Feat Set to Open for Commuters Soon — What’s the Launch Date?
VIDEO: Mumbai–Pune ‘Missing Link’ Project Nears Completion; A Remarkable Engineering Feat Set to Open for Commuters Soon — What’s the Launch Date?
The long-awaited project is expected to open for traffic soon and will significantly reduce travel distance between the two cities.
A major infrastructure milestone has been achieved for Maharashtra as the Mumbai–Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ project has reportedly been completed. The long-awaited project is expected to be opened for motorists soon, promising faster and safer travel between Mumbai and Pune.
The project is considered one of the most ambitious engineering works on the expressway, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing travel time between the two cities.
Distance Between Mumbai And Pune To Reduce
Once operational, the Missing Link is expected to reduce the distance between Mumbai and Pune by about 6 kilometres. The new alignment will also help save approximately 25 to 30 minutes of travel time for commuters.
The total length of the project is 13.3 kilometres.
Engineering Marvel – Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link
— Satish (@satishmane7) March 12, 2026
The 650 m long LHS and RHS cable-stayed bridge joint has been completed today. pic.twitter.com/yoPfv5sO7y
Massive Bridge Over Tiger Valley
A major highlight of the project is a 650-metre cable-stayed bridge constructed over Tiger Valley in the Lonavala region. The bridge pillars are around 182 metres high, roughly equal to the height of a 60-storey building, making it one of the tallest road bridges in India.
The project has been developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Two Major Tunnels Built
The Missing Link corridor also includes two major tunnels, one of which is about 8.9 kilometres long, making it among the longest road tunnels in the country.
These tunnels are designed to bypass the dangerous and winding Khandala Ghat section, which is often prone to landslides, accidents and heavy traffic congestion.
Likely Opening On Maharashtra Day
Recent updates suggest that about 98 percent of the work on the project has already been completed. The expressway link is expected to be inaugurated around May 1, 2026 (Maharashtra Day).
The project has been built at an estimated cost of ₹6,695 crore.
Once opened, the Missing Link will help commuters avoid the difficult stretch between Khopoli exit and Kusgaon near Lonavala, improving both travel safety and efficiency on one of India’s busiest expressways.
