Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Connecting Link’ Cut Travel Time, Eased Congestion As Shifts 70% Traffic Away From Ghat Section
Mumbai-Pune Expressway 'Connecting Link' Cut Travel Time, Eased Congestion As Shifts 70% Traffic Away From Ghat Section
The newly opened Mumbai-Pune Expressway connecting link has significantly eased congestion on the Borghat stretch, with officials saying nearly 70 per cent of light vehicles have shifted to the new route within days of its opening.
The newly operational ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has started showing major impact on traffic flow, with authorities reporting a sharp reduction in congestion and smoother movement across the Borghat section.
According to officials, nearly 70 per cent of light motor vehicles (LMVs), including cars, have shifted to the new connecting link over the past 10 days. The diversion has helped reduce traffic jams that were frequently witnessed at Lonavala and Khandala, especially during weekends and holiday rush.
The 19.84-km Khopoli-to-Kusgaon connecting stretch, commissioned on May 1, is part of the long-awaited Missing Link project developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The Rs 6,700 crore project reduces the Mumbai-Pune travel distance by nearly 6 km and cuts travel time by around 30 minutes.
Travellers and automobile enthusiasts have also shared positive experiences after using the route. According to observations, commuters travelling Pune-Mumbai-Pune through the connecting link saved nearly 45 minutes on both sides compared to earlier trips.
The new stretch includes an 8.5-km tunnel, wide four-lane carriageways, emergency shoulders and interconnected safety passages between tunnels. Users described the tunnel infrastructure as an “engineering marvel”, highlighting the presence of emergency hydrants, exhaust fans, CCTV cameras and safety signboards at regular intervals.
Officials said only around 30 per cent of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) continued using the older ghat section during this period, resulting in smoother movement and no major traffic clogging. No heavy vehicle movement is currently allowed on the new connecting link.
Authorities also stated that no major accident has been reported either on the connecting link or on the Borghat stretch since the opening of the new corridor. Highway patrol teams have reportedly received relief from constant rescue and breakdown operations that were common on the steep ghat section earlier.
The earlier Borghat route was known for traffic bottlenecks, speed reduction and frequent mishaps due to steep gradients and risky slopes. The new alignment bypasses difficult elevation points, offering a flatter and smoother drive experience.
The expressway corridor witnesses nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles daily, making it one of Maharashtra’s busiest road networks. Officials believe the connecting link will play a major role in reducing long-standing congestion issues and improving overall road safety between Mumbai and Pune.
However, commuters have also pointed out some concerns, including lane cutting, vehicles stopping near scenic bridge sections and traffic discipline issues inside the tunnel stretch. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the route as fine-tuning and operational adjustments remain underway.
Disclaimer: Travel time may vary depending on traffic flow, weather conditions and operational restrictions on the expressway.
