The Mumbai-Pune Expressway “missing link” has finally opened. It was officially inaugurated on Friday, May 1, which was celebrated in the state as Maharashtra Day. This marks a milestone achievement for the infrastructure in Maharashtra. The total cost of its construction was a whopping INR 6,695 crores and was developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Not only will it cut travel time, but it will also be equipped with advanced safety features that make long travels more convenient.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Opened
The expressway’s missing link was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, along with the Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
The missing link stretches across 13.3 kilometres and bypasses the treacherous hairpin ghats in Khandala. This means that long-distance travel is now significantly safer and more convenient.
Features Of This Architectural Marvel
Among its salient features is the twin tunnel. One spans 1.75 kilometers, and the other is 8.92 kilometers, making it one of Asia’s longest underground tunnels. Not just this, the tunnels are 23.75 meters wide, making them among the widest underground tunnels on the continent.
The tunnels can support up to eight lanes of traffic. It is also among the safest roads in the world, owing to its ventilation system, state-of-the-art lighting, and emergency exits.
The missing link also consists of a cable-stayed bridge over the Tiger Valley spanning across 650 meters. It links Khopoli to Kusgaon. It is among India’s tallest motorable bridges, rising 182-184 meters above the valley. It is also supported by pylons that are even taller than the ones used in Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Travel Becomes Faster, Shorter, And Safer
This missing link reduces travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 20-30 minutes as travelers will be able to avoid the Lonavala-Khandala bottleneck. It will also reduce the distance between the two cities by 6 km.
It is estimated that as much as 70% of this traffic will move to this route and will make traffic more manageable. The high accident rate is associated with the “Amrutanjan Point”, which is also expected to see a decline.
FAQs
Is The Missing Link Open For Heavy Trucks?
No, not at least until November 2026.
Will I Save Money On Fuel?
Yes, because of the flatter gradient and reduced braking/idling in traffic.
Does The Route Close In Heavy Rains?
Wind speed on the bridge may be monitored, but it is designed for all weather.
