Vehicles Break Down, Traffic Chaos in Ghat Section Despite Missing Link Opening; MNS Leader Shares Video, Raises Concerns
Vehicles Break Down, Traffic Chaos in Ghat Section Despite Missing Link Opening; MNS Leader Shares Video, Raises Concerns
Pune, May 2, 2026:
Commuters on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway faced heavy traffic congestion on Saturday, despite the recent inauguration of the much-awaited Missing Link project aimed at reducing travel time between the two cities.
Authorities have kept the Pune-to-Mumbai lane of the Missing Link stretch closed for safety and technical reasons, forcing all vehicles to be diverted through the old Khandala Ghat route. This diversion, combined with weekend traffic, resulted in long queues and delays, leaving commuters stranded for extended periods.
The project was inaugurated on Maharashtra Day in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar. However, the incomplete operational readiness of one carriageway has led to frustration among travellers.
Among those affected was Abhijit Panse of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, who was stuck in traffic for nearly 30–40 minutes in the Khandala Ghat. He took to social media to criticise the situation, sharing a video of the congestion and sarcastically remarking that the “Missing Link is still missing.”
Officials clarified that while traffic from Mumbai to Pune has begun using the new route, the Pune-to-Mumbai lane remains shut due to pending removal of safety barricades and final clearance work. The process was expected to be completed by Saturday afternoon, after which the route would be opened for traffic.
Until then, commuters travelling from Pune to Mumbai may continue to face delays of several hours. Authorities have urged travellers to plan journeys accordingly as the situation stabilises.
