Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link Nears Completion, But Opening May Shift to 2026
Work on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link is moving into its final stage, raising hopes for smoother travel between the two cities. Even with steady progress, officials now say the grand opening of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link may stretch into mid-2026 instead of the earlier deadline.
Bridge at Tiger Valley Almost Done
The most crucial part of the project is the 650-metre cable-stayed bridge at Tiger Valley. Post-monsoon work has picked up pace, and only the final segment of the deck is left to be connected. Engineers expect this to be completed within four months if weather conditions stay stable.
Mumbai Pune Missing link expressway, update of the only section of the project remaining: the 650m long cable stayed bridge. Deadline March 2026 (📹Dronecape Aerial Explorer) pic.twitter.com/M1qxkiQFWL
— Indian Infra (@IndiaInfra02) November 21, 2025
Key Highlights of the Project
• Total length: 13.3 km
• Lanes: Eight-lane access-controlled corridor
• Travel time saved: 25 to 30 minutes
• Distance reduced: Nearly 6 km
• Designed speed: Up to 120 kmph
Once operational, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link will bypass the old accident-prone ghat section, offering a safer and faster route for commuters.
Tunnels and Viaduct Add to Engineering Scale
A major part of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link runs underground through two large tunnels. One stretches around 9 km and the other about 2 km, both of which are already built and technically ready. The route also includes a viaduct about 180 metres tall, making it one of the tallest in India.
Why the Delay?
Harsh terrain and monsoon conditions have slowed work on the cable-stayed bridge. MSRDC officials say more than 96 percent of the project is complete, but the remaining part requires precision work, safety checks, and environmental clearances. The valley’s depth, strong winds, and heavy rainfall have forced engineers to move cautiously.
The original deadline was December 2025, but the revised expectation is now May 2026, assuming testing and approvals finish without further hurdles.
Expected Benefits After Opening
When the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link opens, it will remove the need to pass through Khandala Ghat. Motorists can expect smoother gradients, fewer sharp curves, better visibility, and more reliable high-speed travel. Traffic flow is likely to improve across the expressway, especially during peak holiday and weekend rush.
The project, costing more than ₹6,600 crore, aims to set a new benchmark in infrastructure across the Western Ghats. While commuters may need to wait a little longer, the finished corridor promises a major upgrade for travel between Mumbai and Pune.
