Maharashtra’s New Expressway Stretch to Improve Safety, Reduce Distance, and Boost Tourism
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will soon open to the public, cutting the travel distance between the two cities by 6 kilometres and reducing journey time by nearly 30 minutes.
The infrastructure project, developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is set to be inaugurated on May 1 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shinde also dismissed rumours of any toll hike after the opening, clarifying that no toll increase is planned for commuters using the new route.
What is the ‘Missing Link’ Project?
The Missing Link is a newly constructed 13.3-kilometre stretch on the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, designed to bypass the accident-prone Khandala-Lonavala ghat section.
This new alignment replaces the old winding hill roads with a modern access-controlled route that includes:
- 8.92 km of tunnels
- Two of the world’s widest tunnels, each around 23.75 metres wide
- High viaducts
- A cable-stayed bridge standing 182 metres above Tiger Valley
Officials say the new section is among the most technically advanced road infrastructure projects in Maharashtra and will significantly improve safety in the ghat area.
Safer Alternative to Accident-Prone Ghat Roads
The Missing Link project was designed to eliminate the risks associated with the steep curves, narrow lanes, and congestion in the current ghat section near Lonavala and Khandala, which has witnessed frequent accidents over the years.
The need for a safer alternative became even more urgent after a major gas tanker accident in February 2026, when a tanker carrying propylene overturned in the ghat area, forcing authorities to shut the expressway for 33 hours.
The incident stranded thousands of commuters and exposed the vulnerability of the existing road network.
According to officials, the new road has:
- Straighter alignments
- Wider lanes
- Gentler slopes
- Emergency exits in tunnels
- Improved resistance to landslides and fog
These improvements are expected to drastically reduce accident risks and improve emergency response times.
Initial Access Limited to Light Vehicles
To ensure smooth operations in the first phase, only light vehicles and buses will be allowed to use the Missing Link route. Heavy vehicles and those carrying flammable goods will continue to use the old route for now.
Shinde said the phased opening is aimed at ensuring safety and minimizing operational risks while traffic patterns stabilise on the new section.
Boost to Tourism and Regional Growth
- Lohagad Fort
- Visapur Fort
- Karla Caves
The Maharashtra government believes improved connectivity will give a major boost to tourism, while also supporting trade and economic growth between Mumbai and Pune, one of the state’s busiest corridors.
Shinde said the broader vision is to build a transport network that allows people to travel to any part of Maharashtra within seven to eight hours, making regional mobility faster and safer.
What is the Missing Link project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway?
The Missing Link is a 13.3-km new stretch on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway designed to bypass the dangerous Khandala ghat section, reducing travel time and improving safety.
How much time will the Missing Link save?
The new route will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by nearly 30 minutes and shorten the distance by 6 km.
Will toll charges increase after the Missing Link opens?
No. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has clarified that there will be no toll hike after the Missing Link project opens.
Which vehicles can use the Missing Link initially?
Initially, only light vehicles and buses will be allowed. Heavy vehicles and those carrying flammable materials will be restricted.
How will the Missing Link improve safety?
The project replaces sharp curves and steep slopes with straighter roads, wider lanes, tunnels, and improved emergency systems, reducing accident risks.
