Pune, India – Travelling between Pune and Mumbai is set to become significantly faster by March next year, with the completion of a crucial cable-stayed bridge as part of the Rs 6,695 crore missing link project along the Lonavala ghat section.
The ambitious project aims to bypass the winding and congested ghat section, providing motorists with a smoother and safer journey. Initially slated for completion by July this year, the construction of the cable-stayed bridge has faced delays primarily due to logistical challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions. However, senior officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) have indicated that the bridge section is now expected to be operational by March 2023, offering commuters a notable reduction of up to half an hour in travel time. The missing link project, hailed as a significant infrastructural milestone, features several ground-breaking elements, including the world’s widest twin tunnels spanning 47 metres over 10 lanes. Recognised by the Guinness World Records, these tunnels epitomise the project’s engineering prowess and innovation.
Furthermore, the completion of the cable-stayed bridge in the scenic Tiger Valley of Lonavala marks a critical step towards enhancing connectivity between the two bustling cities. Once operational, the bypass route is projected to accommodate approximately 85% of the Expressway’s current traffic, facilitating smoother and more efficient travel for commuters. In addition to reducing travel time, the missing link project is expected to yield substantial fuel and carbon savings by minimising congestion and eliminating the need for ascent through the ghat section. While the toll for the Expressway will remain unchanged, motorists will be required to pay it for an extended period of 15 years beyond the existing toll contract period, scheduled to end in 2030.
Moreover, when combined with other planned augmentation projects such as the Shedung-Palaspe link and the Sewri-Worli connector, the cumulative reduction in travel time between Mumbai and Pune is estimated to reach almost 60 minutes. These enhancements signify a significant leap forward in regional connectivity and hold the promise of fostering economic growth and development across the Pune-Mumbai corridor. As construction progresses and infrastructural upgrades near completion, stakeholders anticipate a paradigm shift in travel dynamics, with shorter commutes and enhanced convenience driving increased mobility and productivity in the region.
