The Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link has been planned as a long-term infrastructure project aimed at strengthening connectivity between two of Maharashtra’s most important cities while addressing growing traffic and mobility challenges. According to Dr Anilkumar Gaikwad, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project goes beyond reducing travel time and is intended to improve the efficiency and reliability of one of India’s busiest transport corridors.
Speaking at the RAHSTA Expo 2026, Dr Gaikwad highlighted the broader vision behind the project, noting that infrastructure development will play a critical role in achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat. He said the Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link has been designed to provide dependable, all-weather, high-speed transport for passengers and freight movement across Western India.
Explaining the project’s purpose, Dr Gaikwad said, “The Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link was conceived not merely as a travel-time reduction with bypass to the Khandala-Lonavala ghat section, but as a long-term infrastructure solution to address capacity, traffic safety and operational challenges along one of India’s busiest economic corridors.”
By bypassing the congested Khandala-Lonavala ghat section, the project is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and increase the corridor’s carrying capacity. The connecting link is also expected to support long-term economic growth by enabling faster, safer and more reliable transportation across the region.
Source: Construction World
