In a major infrastructure milestone for Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has confirmed that 95% of the work on the ambitious ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is now complete. The 13-kilometre stretch, designed to intersect the existing expressway, will reduce the travel distance by 5.7 kilometres and slash commute times between the two cities by nearly 30 minutes. With a revised completion deadline set for August 2025, the Rs 6,600 crore project is expected to transform connectivity between Mumbai and Pune, two of India’s most vital economic centres.
Initially slated for completion in March 2024, the project experienced delays due to its complex engineering challenges. However, authorities have confirmed significant progress, with tunnels and the first viaduct completed, while work continues on the second viaduct—an intricate segment crossing a deep valley. According to officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), this portion demands precision and stringent safety protocols due to its elevation and terrain.
The new alignment begins at Khopoli and includes a series of engineering feats: an 840-metre viaduct, a 1.75-kilometre tunnel, and a striking 640-metre cable-stayed bridge that soars 100 metres above the iconic Tiger Valley in the Lonavala–Khandala region. Once operational, the upgraded corridor will bypass the ghat-heavy section, allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 120 kmph, significantly improving safety and efficiency.
Notably, the MSRDC has ensured that the ongoing construction has not disrupted existing traffic on the expressway, which remains one of India’s busiest. The Missing Link is a cornerstone in the state’s efforts to transform the expressway into a zero-fatality corridor by eliminating accident-prone spots and providing a faster, smoother travel experience.
Source: Swarajya
