On Track to Transformation: Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link Project Nears Completion for 2025 Debut; MSRDC

The Missing Link project by MSRDC aims to transform Mumbai-Pune commute, reducing travel time and congestion.

26th May 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is nearing the completion of its transformative “Missing Link” project, officially known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway (YCEW). It is scheduled for being operational by May 2025. The Missing Link initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in the existing road network between Mumbai and Pune, promising seamless connectivity and significant reductions in travel time.

Comprising two distinct components, the project encompasses the construction of essential infrastructure elements. Package-I includes the development of two tunnels spanning 1.75 km and 8.92 km respectively, while Package-II focuses on the creation of two viaducts totaling 790 m and 650 m in length.

With Package-I nearing completion, boasting a remarkable 94% progress rate, efforts on Package-II are in full swing. However, challenges such as high wind pressure have posed obstacles to construction progress, according to a senior MSRDC official.

Upon completion, the project promises a plethora of benefits for commuters traversing the Mumbai-Pune corridor. The reduction of the expressway’s length from Khopoli exit to Sinhgad Institute from 19 km to 13.3 km will significantly streamline travel, curbing the total distance by 6 km. Moreover, commuters can expect a notable reduction in travel time, estimated at 20-25 minutes, facilitating smoother and more efficient journeys between the two cities.

Addressing persistent congestion issues along the expressway, particularly in the section from Adoshi Tunnel to Khandala exit, the Missing Link initiative offers a viable solution. By providing an alternative route for the challenging ghat section, the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and mitigate the risk of accidents stemming from increased vehicle speeds.

The project’s inception stemmed from feasibility studies conducted by M/s. RITES in 1995, which proposed an alternate route for the Ghat Section. Subsequently, MSRDC appointed a Technical Advisory Committee to review the Detailed Project Report submitted by the consultant. As per the committee’s recommendations, the alignment of the Missing Link was approved, paving the way for construction to commence.

Source – msrdc.in