Work on the roadway for the cable-stayed bridge forming part of the Mumbai–Pune Missing Link project has commenced, bringing the long-awaited infrastructure initiative close to completion. According to sources, if progress continues as scheduled, the project could be opened to the public by May 1.
A Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) official said, “The crucial cable-stayed bridge has been completed by Afcons Infrastructure. Work on laying the bitumen road is currently underway. With 99 per cent of the project completed, finishing touches are now being carried out.”
Authorities will soon conduct load-bearing tests on the bridge. These assessments are essential to ensure the structure’s strength, durability, and safety under real-world conditions before it is made operational for commuters.
About the cable-stayed bridge
The bridge is part of Package II of the project and spans 650 metres. It will be India’s tallest road cable-stayed bridge, featuring pylons that rise to 182 metres (597 feet), surpassing the 128-metre pylons of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Project highlights
The bridge itself stands at a height of 132 metres, with Viaduct I measuring 850 metres and the cable-stayed Viaduct II extending 650 metres. The project also includes 10.2 km of approach roads.
Benefits of the project
Once operational, the missing link is expected to reduce the travel distance between Mumbai and Pune by 6 km and cut commute time by approximately 25 minutes. It will also help lower fuel consumption and emissions while providing a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for over 1.5 lakh daily commuters.
Other key features
The project covers a 13.3 km stretch of the expressway between the Khopoli exit and Kusgaon. It includes two tunnels measuring 1.68 km and 8.87 km in length, each with a width of 23.50 metres. Additionally, 5.86 km of the expressway is being widened. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 6,695 crore.
Source: Mid-day
