Mumbai Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ Tunnel Completed, But Bridge Delay Pushes Opening to November
Mumbai/Pune, 6th June 2025: In a significant development for one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, the tunnel work on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ has been completed. However, the full opening of the route faces a five-month delay due to unfinished construction on the adjoining cable-stayed bridge in Tiger Valley.
Key Milestone Achieved, But Bridge Work Lags
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed that the 13-kilometre tunnel—a crucial part of the ‘Missing Link’—is now fully constructed. However, the project’s final phase, the cable-stayed bridge, remains incomplete. Officials attribute the delay to adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and strong winds in the valley.
The bridge, being built at a height of 132 feet, has its superstructure in place, but the installation of support cables is still pending. Due to challenging weather, progress has been slower than anticipated.
Revised Deadline: November 2025
Originally scheduled for completion by August 25, 2025, the project’s deadline has now been extended to November 25, 2025. Once operational, the ‘Missing Link’ is expected to:
✔ Reduce travel time between Pune and Mumbai by 25 minutes
✔ Minimize sharp curves in the ghat section, improving safety
✔ Ease traffic congestion significantly
Officials from MSRDC, stated that the tunnel work is complete, but the bridge construction is facing delays due to weather challenges. We are committed to finishing the project by the revised deadline.
Project Cost and Future Impact
With an estimated cost of ₹6,695 crore, the ‘Missing Link’ is set to transform travel between Pune and Mumbai, offering a smoother and faster commute. The expressway’s upgrade is expected to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical infrastructure development.
