The Pune Mumbai Expressway witnessed significant traffic disruptions, particularly on the Pune-bound corridor.
Vehicles were backed up for approximately five kilometres in the Bhor Ghat section, causing considerable delays for commuters. In contrast, the Mumbai-bound corridor experienced relatively normal traffic flow, albeit with a slightly higher volume of cars than usual, as reported by the Expressway control room. The heavy congestion was attributed to the increased number of vehicles on the road due to the holiday rush. A passenger travelling towards Pune to attend a wedding noted that their bus took over an hour to cross the Amritanjan Bridge in the ghat section, highlighting the challenges posed by the steep gradient and heavy vehicle presence.
To alleviate such bottlenecks, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is constructing a ‘missing link’ road between the Ghat section and the Singhagad Institute, located east of Lonavala. This project aims to bypass the congested ghat area, reducing the distance by approximately six kilometres and potentially decreasing travel time by an estimated 25 minutes. Earlier this week, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted a project review meeting, where he was informed that the ‘missing link’ project is nearing completion, with 95% of the work finished. The final phase involves constructing the tallest bridge in the project, which is currently underway. Shinde emphasized the importance of meticulous construction and rigorous safety testing, particularly concerning wind pressure and height, to ensure the bridge’s stability and safety.
The completion of this project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow on the Pune Mumbai Expressway, especially during peak travel periods like Maharashtra Day. However, until the ‘missing link’ is operational, commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative routes to avoid potential delays. The ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and address traffic congestion reflect the government’s commitment to improving travel experiences for citizens. As the ‘missing link’ project nears completion, it is anticipated that the Pune Mumbai Expressway will offer a more efficient and smoother journey for all travelers.
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