Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ To Open From May 1, Travel Time To Drop By 30 Minutes

13-km Khandala bypass project nears completion; faster, safer travel expected for commuters

In a major infrastructure update for Maharashtra, the long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is set to partially open from May 1, 2026, offering significant relief to lakhs of daily commuters.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has confirmed that nearly 99% of the work on the ambitious project has been completed. The new 13-kilometre stretch is designed to bypass the accident-prone Khandala ghat section, making travel smoother and safer.

What Is The ‘Missing Link’ Project

The project connects key sections of the expressway through tunnels, viaducts, and a cable-stayed bridge, reducing both distance and travel complexity.

Once operational, the route will shorten the Mumbai–Pune journey by around 5.7 kilometres and cut travel time by approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

Key Features Of The Project

The new alignment includes advanced engineering structures built across challenging terrain.

A major highlight is a 640-metre-long cable-stayed bridge located nearly 100 metres above the Khandala valley. The project also features multiple tunnels, including one stretching over 8.9 kilometres, with parts running deep below ground.

Additionally, a 1.75-kilometre tunnel and an 840-metre viaduct form part of the route, ensuring a direct and less curved path for vehicles.

Faster And Safer Travel

The redesigned stretch will allow vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 120 kmph due to fewer sharp turns and smoother gradients.

Officials say the project is a key step toward making the Mumbai–Pune Expressway a ‘zero-fatality corridor’, as it aims to reduce accidents that frequently occur in the ghat section.

Relief During Monsoon

One of the major advantages of the new route is reduced disruption during monsoon. Landslides and falling rocks in the Khandala ghat have often caused traffic jams in the past.

With tunnels and elevated structures, the new alignment is expected to provide more reliable connectivity even during heavy rains.

Project Faced Multiple Delays

Originally scheduled for completion in 2024, the project saw several deadline extensions due to complex terrain and engineering challenges. The revised opening on May 1, 2026, is now seen as a major milestone.

Big Boost For Commuters

Once opened, the ‘Missing Link’ is expected to transform travel between Mumbai and Pune by making it faster, safer, and more efficient.

The project is also expected to play a crucial role in improving overall connectivity and reducing congestion on one of Maharashtra’s busiest expressways.