Mumbai–Pune Missing Link Nears Opening; Travel Time To Drop By 30 Minutes
Mumbai–Pune Missing Link Nears Opening; Travel Time To Drop By 30 Minutes
13.3-km stretch to bypass accident-prone ghat section; toll to continue till 2045 without sudden hike
In a major boost for commuters travelling between Mumbai and Pune, the much-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is nearing completion. Officials have confirmed that only one deck section remains to be cast on each side, bringing the 13.3-km stretch close to operational readiness.
The new alignment will bypass the existing Lonavala–Khandala ghat section, which is known for steep gradients, sharp curves and frequent congestion. Once open, the project will shorten the distance between Mumbai and Pune by nearly six kilometres and cut travel time by approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
The Missing Link has been designed to improve safety and ease traffic pressure on the old ghat stretch, which often witnesses accidents and long vehicle queues, especially during weekends and holidays. With straighter alignment and improved visibility, the new route is expected to offer smoother and safer travel.
Authorities have also addressed concerns regarding a possible toll hike after the project becomes operational. Contrary to public speculation, there will be no immediate steep increase in toll charges. Instead, the toll collection period for the expressway has been extended till 2045. As per existing arrangements, toll rates will continue to be revised every five years, with the next revision scheduled for 2030.
The project includes modern safety measures, including advanced monitoring systems and high-tech tunnel infrastructure. However, certain categories of hazardous and highly flammable vehicles are expected to face restrictions inside the tunnels in line with safety norms.
For daily commuters and frequent travellers, the Missing Link is expected to bring significant relief from traffic bottlenecks that regularly build up in the ghat section. Once operational, it will mark one of the biggest upgrades to the Mumbai–Pune Expressway since its inauguration.
The opening date is expected soon, with final finishing works underway. The project is being seen as a crucial step in strengthening Maharashtra’s key inter-city corridor and easing congestion between the state’s two major urban centres.
