On Tuesday, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) commenced load testing on the long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ stretch on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It is running regular inspections across the stretch before its inauguration. Read on to know more about the development.
MSRDC Starts Load Testing On ‘Missing Link’ Stretch
According to a report by the Indian Express, the tests signalled that the major infrastructure project was entering its final stage before opening to the public. Inspection vehicles are now being deployed on a regular basis along the newly constructed lane to evaluate structural strength and ensure that the corridor meets all engineering and safety standards. Both carriageways have now been connected, enabling vehicles to travel smoothly from one end to the other. Despite the delays, the project is now almost near its completion, with only final work remaining.
According to the portal, officials expect the corridor to be fully ready for the inauguration by the end of April. Once inaugurated, the traffic will be introduced in stages, with only light vehicles being allowed to use the highway for the first three months. After three months, passenger buses and heavy vehicles will be allowed, while authorities will review the traffic patterns for six months before deciding on allowing commercial vehicles.
About Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ Stretch
Additionally, the state government has announced May 1 as the tentative inauguration date; the final confirmation is still awaited. Not only this, but the project also connects Khopoli and Kusgaon, bypassing the winding, steep Khandala-Lonavala ghat section that is known as one of the busiest expressways. The current route between two places stretches nearly 19.8 km; the missing link will shorten that distance by over 6 km, saving around 25–30 minutes of travel time.
Executed by MSRDC at an estimated cost of around ₹6,695 crore, the alignment starts at the Khopoli exit with a 900-metre viaduct bridge, leading into the first tunnel, which is 1.64 km long. This is followed by a 650-metre cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley. After the bridge, there is a second and longer tunnel of approx 9 km that will carry traffic directly to Kusgaon on the Pune side.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Has the Pune Mumbai Expressway opened?
The much-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is finally 99% complete and set to open on May 1, 2026.