Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday afternoon inaugurated the 13.3 km-long Mumbai-Pune Expressway `Missing Link` project that bypasses mountain pass section.
Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present at the inauguration. They took a ride on the newly launched project, with CM Fadnavis driving an SUV.
The Missing Link project connects Khopoli on the Mumbai side to Kusgaon near Lonavala in Pune district and is expected to make the expressway fully access-controlled, easing congestion in the `ghat` (mountain pass) section.
Developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) at a cost of Rs 6,700 crore, the project includes two tunnels, two viaducts and a cable-stayed bridge.
It bypasses the steep and accident-prone Khandala or Bhor `ghat` (mountain pass) section that frequently witnesses traffic congestion, especially during weekends and on public holidays.
Inaugurated on Maharashtra Day
After years of planning and construction, the “Missing Link” stretch on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was inaugurated on Maharashtra Day.
The new section is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune, offering smoother connectivity for commuters.
The officials had earlier stated that safety will be the top priority. The rollout plan has been prepared under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, along with inputs from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and highway police.
The project
The project forms part of a modern 19.16-km corridor that also includes widening of a 5.86-km six-lane section between Khalapur and Khopoli interchange to eight lanes.
The tunnels were constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and involved extensive geological studies across varying rock formations in the Sahyadri ranges, the MSRDC said.
Phase 1: Entry only for light vehicles
From May 1 to October 31, 2026, only light motor vehicles and buses will be allowed to use the Missing Link. Heavy cargo vehicles will not be permitted during this period, officials said.
Phase 2: Review after six months
From November 1 onwards, authorities will review traffic patterns and safety data before deciding whether to allow goods vehicles on the new stretch, they said.
Permanent ban on hazardous vehicles
Vehicles carrying flammable or dangerous goods will be permanently barred from using the Missing Link. Such vehicles will continue to use the existing route.
The officials have set firm speed limits, especially inside tunnels — 100 km/h for cars and 80 km/h for buses.
Officials warned that even a small violation—exceeding the limit by more than 5 per cent—could lead to penalties.
A senior official had earlier said that the project represents years of effort and investment, and its benefits can only be realised if commuters follow the rules and drive responsibly.
