Major boost to Maharashtra infrastructure
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday inaugurated the long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ stretch on the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, marking a significant upgrade to one of the state’s busiest road corridors. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present during the launch. In a symbolic moment, Fadnavis personally drove a car along the newly opened stretch.
Travel time between Mumbai and Pune to reduce
The newly opened section is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Pune by nearly 30 minutes. By bypassing the congested Lonavala–Khandala ghat section, the project will also shorten the overall distance by around six kilometres, offering smoother and faster connectivity between the two cities.
Restrictions in initial phase
Authorities have announced that only light motor vehicles (LMVs) and passenger buses will be allowed to use the stretch from May 1 to October 31. Goods vehicles will remain restricted during this period. Officials said a review will be conducted after six months to decide whether heavy vehicles can be permitted. Speed limits have been capped at 100 kmph for cars and 80 kmph for buses to maintain safety standards.
Engineering marvel with tunnels and bridge
The 13.3-km ‘Missing Link’ project is considered a major engineering achievement. It includes a tunnel stretch of about 8.92 km, featuring some of the world’s widest tunnels at nearly 23.75 metres. The route also includes high viaducts and a cable-stayed bridge rising approximately 182 metres above Tiger Valley. A notable feature is that part of the route runs beneath Lonavala Lake, highlighting the complexity of the project.
A solution to long-standing traffic congestion
The Mumbai–Pune Expressway, operational since 2002, currently handles around 75,000 vehicles daily, with traffic surging to nearly 1.2 lakh during weekends and holidays. The ghat section has long been a bottleneck and prone to accidents, causing frequent delays.
Improved safety and connectivity expected
The new stretch is expected to significantly ease congestion and improve safety on the route. Earlier incidents, including accidents involving heavy vehicles near tunnels, had highlighted the need for alternative pathways. The ‘Missing Link’ is set to enhance connectivity between Maharashtra’s key economic hubs while making travel more efficient and safer for commuters.
