October 27, 2025: The completion of the much-anticipated missing link on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), has been delayed until early 2026 due to prolonged heavy rains and strong winds in the region, according to a report by Punekar News.
Initially scheduled for completion by December 2025, following Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s directive to advance the deadline to November, the 13.5 km stretch between Khopoli and Kusgaon is now expected to be operational by January–February 2026. The ambitious project involves a four-lane expressway expansion featuring two tunnels and a cable-stayed bridge — a crucial component designed to ease traffic congestion on one of India’s busiest routes.
Dr. Anil Kumar Gaikwad, Managing Director of MSRDC, explained the cause of the delay: “The heavy rains and strong winds over the last five months, particularly in the valley sections, slowed down work on the bridge. The pace of construction has now picked up, and we expect to complete the project by January-February 2026.”
The engineering marvel includes two viaducts constructed on a 28-metre-deep foundation. While one viaduct of 850 metres has been completed, the second, measuring approximately 600 metres and rising 182 metres high, remains under construction. The site has been challenged by extreme weather conditions, including valley winds reaching speeds of up to 180 km/h and persistent monsoon rains.
Once completed, the bridge will allow vehicles to traverse safely at speeds up to 100 km/h, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing safety between Mumbai and Pune.
“The intensity of the rains slowed down the construction of the cable-stayed bridge… completing the project within the earlier deadline of November-December is no longer feasible,” Dr. Gaikwad added.
Source: Swarajya
