Work on the long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ project on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway has been completed, marking a major milestone in India’s infrastructure development. Following the completion of the bridge work, construction of the cable-stayed bridge in Tiger Ghar (Tiger Valley) advanced rapidly over recent months. The bridge is now fully constructed, with asphalt-laying currently underway. Vehicle testing by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has also commenced.
Inauguration on Maharashtra Day
The project is set to be inaugurated on May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day celebrations.
The 8.93-kilometer-long bridge on the expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ section had already been completed earlier. However, the cable-stayed bridge connecting it faced technical delays. After the superstructure was completed, cable installation began, and now even the joining work has been finalized.
Bridge Specifications
Total length: 650 meters
Height of towers: 182 meters
Height from ground: 132 meters
Spans: 8 (four on each side)
Project cost: approximately ₹6,695 crore
“The work on the cable-stayed bridge on the ‘Missing Link’ is complete. Asphalt is being laid and vehicle testing is underway. Once all tests are done, the bridge will open for traffic,” said Rajesh Patil, Co-Managing Director, MSRDC, Mumbai.
Key Benefits
Travel time between Pune and Mumbai will reduce by 20–25 minutes
Sharp turns will decrease, lowering accident risks
Road distance will be shortened by 6 kilometers
Traffic congestion in ghat sections will ease
Technical Highlights
Tower height: 182 meters, among the tallest in the world
Valley depth: 132 meters
Designed to withstand wind speeds of 180–200 km/h
The completion of this strategic infrastructure is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Pune and Mumbai, easing travel and enhancing road safety along one of India’s busiest expressways.
