Pune, 8th August 2026: Despite complete ban heavy and oversized vehicles continue to enter the Missing Link on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, raising questions about the enforcement measures taken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and highway police.
The issue came under sharp focus after Tushar Bhumkar, a youth leader from Wakad, was killed early Friday when the SUV he was travelling in crashed into the rear of a goods tempo inside the Missing Link tunnel, police said.
Only light motor vehicles such as cars and SUVs, along with buses, minibuses and other passenger vehicles, are permitted to use the Missing Link. Goods trucks, trailers and other heavy vehicles are prohibited from entering the stretch.
The restriction has been imposed to improve traffic flow and safety, particularly in the ghat section of the expressway, where heavy vehicles can cause congestion and create difficulties for smaller vehicles.
Around 70% of the traffic on the expressway comprises light vehicles and buses, while heavy vehicles account for nearly 30%. The movement of heavy vehicles in the ghat section has frequently contributed to traffic congestion and minor accidents.
MSRDC and traffic police have installed warning and restriction boards at the entrance of the Missing Link. Both agencies have also stated that personnel and wardens are deployed to prevent heavy vehicles from entering.
However, reports indicate that enforcement is particularly weak at night, allowing heavy vehicles to enter the restricted stretch despite the ban.
The Friday accident has therefore raised questions over what additional measures are being taken to physically prevent prohibited vehicles from accessing the Missing Link.
Police said vehicles violating the restriction are being stopped and penalised at the entry points.
“Traffic police have been deployed at both ends of the Missing Link. Vehicles entering illegally are stopped at the beginning of the stretch and action is taken against them. We have taken action against 621 vehicles over the past two to two-and-a-half months,” said Ravindra Mudhol, Police Sub-Inspector, Khandala.
MSRDC officials said restriction boards have been installed to clearly inform heavy-vehicle drivers that entry into the Missing Link is prohibited.
“Boards have been installed to inform drivers that heavy and oversized vehicles are prohibited from entering the Missing Link. We are discussing with the traffic police whether any additional measures can be introduced to prevent such vehicles from entering,” said Rakesh Sonawane, Executive Engineer, MSRDC.
The fatal accident has brought renewed attention to the effectiveness of the existing restrictions. While authorities say enforcement action is being taken, the continued movement of heavy vehicles, particularly during night hours, has raised concerns about the need for stronger and more effective measures to prevent unauthorised entry.