Mumbai Pune Missing Link Project: 96% Complete and Poised to Transform Connectivity
The Mumbai Pune Missing Link Project, a significant infrastructure initiative by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is now 96% complete. Originally slated for completion in March 2024, the project has faced several delays, with the new deadline set for September 2025. The 13-kilometre stretch aims to bypass the accident-prone Khandala and Lonavala ghat sections, reducing the distance between Mumbai and Pune by 5.7 kilometres and cutting travel time by approximately 30 minutes. The new alignment will allow vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
The project features several major structures, including a 1.75 km tunnel, an 840-meter viaduct, a 650-meter cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley, and an 8.9 km tunnel that passes 170 feet below Lonavala Lake. One of the most challenging parts is the cable-stayed bridge, which rises 180 meters above Khandala Valley. This section is still under construction and is difficult to complete, especially with the monsoon season around the corner.
Beyond improving connectivity, the project aims to enhance safety by transforming the Mumbai-Pune Expressway into a “zero-fatality corridor” and addressing recurring traffic jams caused by falling debris during the rainy season. The project also aims to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by providing a more efficient route for commuters. The tunnels and first viaduct are already completed. Workers are now using those parts to access the site for the second viaduct, which is still being built across the valley. Officials are focusing on safety and steady progress as they push toward the final stages of the project.
The completion of the Mumbai Pune Missing Link Project is eagerly anticipated, as it promises to significantly improve connectivity and safety between Mumbai and Pune. Despite facing engineering challenges and delays, the project is progressing steadily and is expected to open in September 2025. This transformative infrastructure will not only enhance travel but also contribute to the economic development of the region.
