Within hours of the inauguration, the Pune-bound lane of the project was opened for traffic, signalling the beginning of operations on a corridor designed to transform travel between the two cities. The Missing Link connects Khopoli on the Mumbai side to Kusgaon near Lonavala in Pune district, effectively creating a fully access-controlled expressway and eliminating bottlenecks in the mountain pass section.
Developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation at a cost of Rs 6,700 crore, the project comprises two tunnels, two viaducts, and a cable-stayed bridge. It bypasses the steep and accident-prone Khandala or Bhor mountain pass stretch, which has historically witnessed severe congestion, especially during weekends and public holidays.
Highlighting the engineering achievements, Fadnavis stated that the tunnels on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway have been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the widest underground road tunnels in the world, while the cable-stayed bridge stands as a significant structural accomplishment.
The Missing Link forms part of a broader 19.16-kilometre modern corridor, which also includes the widening of a 5.86-kilometre six-lane section between Khalapur and Khopoli interchange to eight lanes. The tunnels were constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method, following extensive geological studies across varying rock formations in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, according to officials.
Authorities have implemented a phased operational plan prioritising safety. From May 1 to October 31, 2026, only light motor vehicles and buses will be permitted on the new stretch, while heavy cargo vehicles will be restricted. From November 1, officials will review traffic patterns and safety data before deciding on the inclusion of goods vehicles.
Vehicles carrying flammable or hazardous materials will face a permanent ban from using the Missing Link and will continue to operate on the existing route. Strict speed limits have also been enforced, with a maximum of 100 kilometres per hour for cars and 80 kilometres per hour for buses, particularly within tunnel sections. Officials have warned that even minor violations exceeding the limit by more than five percent will attract penalties.
Officials emphasised that the project represents years of planning, investment, and technical effort, and its success will depend on strict adherence to traffic regulations by commuters. The Missing Link is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune while improving safety and easing congestion in one of the most critical sections of the expressway.
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