Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link Nears Completion, Opening Likely By March 2026
Authorities Plan Emergency Response Hub on Borghat Section of Pune–Mumbai Expressway
93% work complete on 13.3-km mega project set to ease Lonavala traffic, cut travel time, and boost western Pune property markets
The long-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is now in its final phase, with officials confirming that nearly 93% of the construction work has been completed. The project is expected to open between March and May 2026, offering major relief to lakhs of daily commuters travelling between Mumbai and Pune.
The Missing Link is a 13.3-km alternative alignment connecting the Khopoli exit to Kusgaon (near Sinhgad Institute), designed to bypass the congested and accident-prone Lonavala ghat section. At present, vehicles are forced to travel through a 19.8-km stretch via Lonavala, which is notorious for sharp curves, steep gradients, tourist congestion, and frequent traffic jams especially during weekends, holidays, and the monsoon season.
According to officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project has reached an advanced stage, with tunnelling and bridge construction nearing completion. Once operational, the Missing Link is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, and ensure more predictable journeys for office-goers, logistics operators, and weekend travellers alike.
One of the key problems the project addresses is the existing traffic bottleneck between the Adoshi Tunnel and the Khandala exit, where up to 10 lanes of traffic merge abruptly into a six-lane stretch. This often results in long traffic snarls, and even minor landslides during the monsoon can trigger major diversions and closures. The new alignment is expected to eliminate these choke points.
From an engineering standpoint, the Missing Link is among the most complex road infrastructure projects undertaken in Maharashtra. It includes two major tunnels — an 8.9-km main tunnel and a 1.7-km secondary tunnel — along with two cable-stayed valley bridges measuring 840 metres and 650 metres. One of these bridges will rise to a height of nearly 181 metres, making it among the tallest valley bridges in India.
The tunnels are also being developed to global standards, featuring four traffic lanes and a dedicated emergency lane, and are expected to be Asia’s widest road tunnels upon completion.
While there has been no official announcement yet regarding toll revisions on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, experts believe the Missing Link could lead to smoother toll operations due to improved traffic flow and reduced congestion.
Beyond traffic relief, the project is also expected to have a positive impact on real estate markets in Lonavala, Khandala, Khopoli, western Pune, and surrounding regions, as improved connectivity often translates into higher property demand and valuations.
With the MSRDC maintaining that the March 2026 deadline will be met, commuters can finally look forward to a faster, safer, and less stressful Mumbai–Pune drive after years of delays.
Disclaimer: Timelines and project details are based on official statements and reports and are subject to change depending on on-ground conditions and administrative decisions.
