Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday inaugurated the 13.3-km-long ‘Missing Link’ on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, a landmark infrastructure addition expected to significantly improve travel efficiency and drive economic growth across the region. The project features a record-setting 22.33-metre-wide tunnel and is designed to cut travel time between the two cities by nearly 30 minutes.
“Nothing is missing. Everything is now in place. The Missing Link has become a vital connection between Mumbai and Pune, functioning as an economic multiplier. Approximately Rs 7,180 crore has been invested in the project, which has the potential to contribute Rs 70,000 crore to the region’s economy by facilitating the implementation of three proposed corridors: Technology, Knowledge, and Quantum Corridors between Mumbai and Pune,” stated Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The Chief Minister travelled along the new stretch from Kusgaon near Lonavala to Khopoli, passing through an underground tunnel and a cable-stayed bridge. The route will open to light motor vehicles from May 2, completing full access control along the expressway. By bypassing the congested and accident-prone Bhor Ghat section near Khandala, the link offers a safer and faster alternative for commuters.
Developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project comprises twin tunnels, viaducts, and a cable-stayed bridge. Notably, the tunnel has earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the widest underground tunnel globally. Spanning 13.3 km, nearly 10.67 km of the stretch consists of five-lane twin tunnels cutting through the Sahyadri ranges.
Chinta Sridhar, managing director of Navayuga Engineering Company, said, “Delivering the widest underground tunnel through the challenging basalt terrain of the Sahyadris reflects our ability to execute complex, design-led infrastructure projects on a global scale.”
Industry experts believe the project will act as a catalyst for economic activity. Gulam Zia, senior executive director at Knight Frank India, highlighted its impact on logistics and warehousing. “Faster, more reliable transit and the elimination of a difficult terrain segment will improve turnaround times and operational efficiency. This will likely increase demand for Grade A warehousing and foster the development of larger logistics hubs, directly benefiting sectors such as e-commerce, manufacturing, and third-party logistics,” said Zia.
He added that improved connectivity would deepen integration between Mumbai and Pune, unlocking new residential and commercial opportunities. “It broadens the investable landscape, boosts buyer confidence, and supports the emergence of new growth clusters,” he noted.
Rohit Gupta, managing director of Mantra Group, said the development is likely to enhance Pune’s appeal among Mumbai buyers, encouraging both investment and migration driven by better lifestyle options and long-term value potential.
Source: Financial Express
