The 13.3-km “Missing Link” stretch on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway is set to be inaugurated on May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to open the new section to traffic.
In the initial phase, only cars and buses will be allowed on the route for about six months, while heavy vehicles and those carrying hazardous materials will continue to use the existing ghat section. Officials said the move is aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion, as heavy vehicles are often linked to traffic snarls and accidents in the hilly stretch.
Once operational, the Missing Link is expected to reduce travel time between Pune and Mumbai by around 30 minutes and shorten the journey by nearly 6 km, without any additional toll. It is also likely to significantly ease traffic pressure on the busy Bhor Ghat section, particularly during peak travel periods.
The project, which has been under construction for several years, includes key infrastructure such as long tunnels and a high cable-stayed bridge, making it one of the most complex road developments in the region. Officials said limited access for goods vehicles may be considered after the monsoon, based on traffic assessments.
Commuters have welcomed the development, calling it a much-needed solution to long-standing congestion issues on the expressway.
The 13.3-km Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway connects Khopoli to Kusgaon near Lonavla, bypassing the accident-prone Khandala ghat stretch. It is expected to cut travel time by at least 30 minutes and reduce the distance by around 6 km.
Built at a cost of about ₹6,695 crore, the project includes twin tunnels of 8.9 km and 1.9 km, with a width of 23.5 metres, making it one of Asia’s longest and potentially the widest road tunnel system. The project faced delays due to weather conditions and supply issues during construction.