Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ Nears Completion: A Game-Changer for Commuters
Mumbai-Pune Expressway 'Missing Link' Nears Completion: A Game-Changer for Commuters
Mumbai: The long-anticipated Missing Link project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is now 92% complete and is on track for opening by August 2025, according to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). This 13.3-km stretch, designed to ease congestion and improve travel efficiency, will significantly enhance connectivity between Khopoli and Kusgaon.
Key Features & Benefits
The Missing Link project is a crucial upgrade to India’s first expressway, providing a faster, safer, and more efficient alternative to the existing 19-km-long Khandala Ghat section. The new alignment will:
- Reduce the route by 5.7 km, cutting down travel time by 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bypass steep slopes, minimizing risks of monsoon-induced traffic congestion and landslides.
- Feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including tunnels, bridges, and emergency lanes.
Engineering Marvel
The project boasts some of the most advanced engineering features:
- Two tunnels:
- A 1.75-km tunnel.
- An 8.92-km tunnel—the widest road tunnel in Asia (23.75 meters wide), capable of accommodating eight lanes with dedicated emergency lanes.
- Two cable-stayed bridges, measuring 770 meters and 645 meters, which will enhance structural stability and reduce environmental impact.
Cost & Economic Impact
The estimated cost of the project stands at ₹6,600 crore (₹66 billion). Once operational, the Missing Link is expected to:
- Enhance logistics efficiency, benefiting freight and passenger transport.
- Boost Maharashtra’s economy, by facilitating faster movement between Mumbai and Pune.
- Improve road safety, reducing accident-prone zones along the old ghat section.
With its state-of-the-art design and focus on safety, the Missing Link is set to revolutionize travel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, marking a significant milestone in India’s highway infrastructure development.
