Mumbai-Pune Expressway's ‘Missing Link’ Nears Completion, Set to Open by September 2025
The much-anticipated ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is inching closer to completion and is expected to be operational by September 2025. Developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the 13.3-kilometre new route promises to cut travel time between the two cities by about 30 minutes.
The ₹6,600-crore project features several major engineering achievements, including:
- An 8.9-kilometre-long tunnel running nearly 170 feet beneath Lonavala lake
- An 840-metre viaduct
- A 1.75-kilometre tunnel
- A 650-metre-long cable-stayed bridge, towering 180 metres above Khandala Valley
Officials reported that around 96% of the work has been completed. However, construction of the second viaduct, spanning a deep valley, remains a challenge. They noted that the upcoming monsoon season may pose further delays along this tricky stretch.
Once complete, the new alignment will shorten the existing 19.8-kilometre route between Khopoli exit and Sinhgad Institute by 5.7 kilometres. Vehicles will be able to maintain speeds of up to 120 kmph, offering a smoother and faster alternative to the accident-prone ghat section known for sharp curves and steep climbs.
Importantly, even as construction continues, traffic on the current expressway has not been disrupted. Toll rates will remain unchanged for now but are due for revision every three years. The toll collection period, initially scheduled to end in 2030, is also set to be extended, subject to state government approval.
Started in March 2019, the Missing Link project was originally targeted for completion by March 2024. However, it faced multiple delays, first pushing the deadline to January 2025, then to March 2025, and now to September 2025.
Two additional bridges near Khopoli are also under construction to seamlessly link the tunnels to the main expressway. However, vehicles carrying hazardous materials will continue using the old ghat road for safety reasons.
Designed to bypass risky and landslide-prone sections, the Missing Link is expected to transform the Mumbai-Pune Expressway into a “zero-fatality corridor,” significantly improving safety, easing congestion, and enhancing travel between Mumbai and Pune.
