Mumbai–Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ Nears Completion; March 2026 Opening to Slash Travel Time by 30 Minutes
PUNE: In a major boost to Maharashtra’s infrastructure, the long-awaited “Missing Link” project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is entering its final stretch. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has confirmed that approximately 95% of the work is now complete, with the 13.3-km bypass on track to open for commuters by March 2026.
The project, which has overcome extreme geographical hurdles in the Sahyadri ranges, promises to redefine the commute between India’s financial capital and its IT hub by completely bypassing the narrow, landslide-prone Khandala Ghat section.
Engineering a Marvel: Asia’s Widest Tunnels and India’s Tallest Bridge
The Missing Link is not just a road; it is an engineering feat of global standards. The project features two massive 8-lane tunnels, one measuring 1.75 km and the other a staggering 8.9 km. The latter is recognized as one of the widest tunnels in Asia, measuring 23.3 meters in width.
A defining feature of the project is the 650-meter cable-stayed bridge standing 182 meters high over Tiger Valley. Taller than the pylons of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, this bridge connects the two tunnels, allowing vehicles to glide across the valley at heights equivalent to a 60-story building.
Impact on Commuters: Distance and Time Savings
Currently, the Khopoli-to-Kusgaon stretch spans nearly 19 km through winding ghats where 10 lanes of traffic (Expressway + NH4) merge into a 6-lane bottleneck. The new alignment will:
- Reduce Distance: Shave off approximately 6 km from the current route.
- Save Time: Cut travel time by 25 to 30 minutes.
- High-Speed Corridor: Allow a consistent speed of 120 kmph, free from the sharp turns of the Bor Ghat.
Enhancing Road Safety: The Zero-Fatality Goal
The existing Khandala Ghat is notorious for monsoon landslides and heavy-vehicle breakdowns that cause massive tailbacks. By diverting high-speed traffic into the new, straighter link, MSRDC aims to significantly reduce accidents. The tunnels are equipped with advanced fire safety systems, high-tech ventilation, and emergency SOS alcoves every 300 meters.
Final Timeline and Project Cost
With a total investment exceeding ₹6,600 crore, the project has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenging Sahyadri terrain. However, with the viaduct work now finished and final lane-widening underway near Khopoli, officials are confident that the March 2026 deadline is firm.
Once operational, the Missing Link, combined with the Atal Setu (MTHL), will make it possible to travel from South Mumbai to Pune in under 2.5 hours, marking a new era for Maharashtra’s transport logistics.
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