In a major boost to intercity infrastructure in Maharashtra, over 95 percent of the highly anticipated ‘Missing Link’ on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been completed, according to senior officials involved in the project.
The final phase of construction is currently underway, which includes the erection of what is set to be the tallest bridge along this strategic 13.30-kilometre corridor. The Missing Link aims to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by bypassing the congested ghat section, introducing a more direct, safer, and environmentally responsible route. The project, executed under the aegis of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is part of a larger agenda to modernise state transport infrastructure in a manner that aligns with sustainability and zero-net carbon goals.
Authorities have implemented advanced safety protocols during the construction of the tallest bridge, including continuous monitoring of air pressure and structural stability. This engineering marvel is not only expected to ease traffic woes but also to contribute to reduced vehicular emissions through smoother traffic flow and lower fuel consumption—a crucial element in the state’s green mobility vision. At a recent high-level review meeting held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, officials reviewed the current status of the Missing Link along with future growth nodes planned along the Samruddhi Mahamarg corridor. Among these, the proposed Amne Node has emerged as a flagship project aimed at catalysing regional economic development. The node will be developed on the lines of global financial and industrial hubs like BKC in Mumbai and Noida in Delhi NCR.
Envisioned to span over 10,791 hectares, the Amne Node is designed to host a wide array of sustainable industrial and urban components—including an industrial park, logistics hub, agri-business zone, and food processing clusters. With the MSRDC being appointed as the special planning authority, the node is expected to integrate smart urban planning and gender-neutral public spaces, prioritising eco-friendly construction and equitable land use. During the meeting, officials also stressed on the need to identify alternative freight corridors connecting to JNPT and Ahmedabad. This step aims to prevent any logistical disruptions while construction continues on the expressway. A particular emphasis was placed on expediting work on the Nashik Highway project, as its smooth execution will ensure balanced traffic distribution across Maharashtra’s arterial routes.
Transport experts have reiterated the strategic importance of the Missing Link in transforming the region’s mobility ecosystem. Not only does it promise reduced travel time by up to 25 minutes, but it also incorporates advanced tunnel and viaduct technologies that mitigate the environmental impact of hill-cutting and deforestation—issues that have previously drawn concern from environmental groups and civil society stakeholders. Furthermore, urban planners have pointed out the project’s potential to complement the Centre’s focus on last-mile connectivity, green freight corridors, and decentralised economic development. By promoting non-polluting freight movement and reducing traffic density in ecologically sensitive areas, the Missing Link supports a multi-pronged urban development approach that balances growth with conservation.
The review meeting also included directives to coordinate with local authorities to implement robust traffic diversions, ensuring minimal disruption to existing commuters and freight operators during the final construction phase. Officials reiterated their commitment to delivering the project within the scheduled timelines while upholding safety and sustainability standards. While the expressway’s current connectivity continues to serve thousands of commuters daily, the Missing Link is expected to revolutionise highway travel norms in India, offering a model for future expressway planning rooted in resilience, inclusivity, and climate consciousness.
Given the integrated development plans along the Samruddhi corridor, the Amne Node, coupled with the completed Missing Link, is poised to unlock new corridors of economic growth while reducing carbon footprints—an imperative for Maharashtra’s future as a sustainable industrial powerhouse. The completion of the Missing Link will also coincide with the operationalisation of improved surveillance systems, better emergency response services, and a robust monitoring framework—all designed to make intercity travel not just faster, but also safer and more efficient.
With the final bridge nearing completion and last-mile groundwork accelerating, the long-awaited vision of a seamless Mumbai–Pune journey appears closer to reality. The road ahead now calls for sustained civic cooperation, mindful planning, and transparent execution to ensure the infrastructure delivers not just connectivity, but a cleaner and greener future for the region.
Mumbai Pune Missing Link Nears Completion
