Mumbai: The ambitious Mumbai-Pune “missing link” project, which aims to significantly enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Pune, is now 85% complete. However, the completion deadline has been extended to March 2025, reflecting the numerous challenges faced during its execution.
Anilkumar Gaikwad, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), confirmed the deadline extension. The project, initially slated for completion by March 2024 and later revised to January 2025, is progressing cautiously to address various complexities involved in its construction.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of India’s busiest roads, remains operational without disruptions from the ongoing work. However, the construction of the missing link presents significant hurdles, particularly the cable-stayed bridge segment, which is being erected at an altitude of nearly 100 metres above the Khandala Valley.
“The scope of the work is intricate and demanding, hence the extended timeline,” Gaikwad stated. “Despite the steady pace of construction, we are meticulously overcoming challenges to meet the new target. Monsoon conditions further complicate the project, making it essential to proceed with caution.”
The 13-km missing link, part of the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway, starts at Khopoli. It bypasses the expressway through an 840-metre viaduct at a height of 60 metres, continues through a 1.75-km tunnel, traverses a 640-metre cable-stayed bridge, and enters another 8.9-km tunnel. A section of this tunnel runs 170 feet underground beneath the Lonavala lake, emerging near the Sinhgad Institute.
Currently, the distance between Khopoli and Sinhgad Institute along the existing expressway is 19 km, characterized by steep slopes and the ghat section, which imposes speed limits on vehicles. The new link will reduce this distance by 5.7 km, potentially saving motorists 20-30 minutes of travel time. Additionally, the new route will allow for speeds up to 120 km/h, bypassing the treacherous ghat sections.
The project’s overarching goal is to transform the Mumbai-Pune Expressway into a zero-fatality corridor. By eliminating the need for vehicles to navigate the existing ghats, the link aims to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety.
Furthermore, the MSRDC anticipates that the missing link will address the perennial issue of traffic gridlocks at Khandala during the monsoon season, caused by falling boulders and debris from adjacent hillocks.
As the project progresses towards its new deadline, it represents a significant step forward in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. The successful completion of the missing link promises to offer commuters a faster, safer, and more efficient travel experience, while also bolstering the region’s economic integration and development.
