MSRDC Plans May 1 Opening for Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link
Pune, 16th March 2026: The much-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has reached its final stage, with around 99 per cent of the work completed. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has now started interior finishing and painting work, and the project is expected to be opened for traffic on May 1 after obtaining the necessary approvals.
The Missing Link project involves constructing a new 19.8 km stretch between Khopoli and Kusgaon. Work on the project began in 2019 to increase the capacity of the expressway and reduce traffic congestion and accidents caused by the growing number of vehicles on the route.
According to MSRDC officials, most of the construction work is complete and finishing activities such as painting and internal work inside bridges and tunnels have begun. The pillars passing through the valley and those of the cable-stayed bridge are currently being painted blue. All remaining works are expected to be completed by the end of April.
Before opening the stretch for traffic, mandatory safety inspections will be carried out, including load testing of bridges and other technical checks. After completing these tests and securing the required clearances, the Missing Link is planned to be opened on May 1.
Once operational, the new route will bypass the ghat section of the expressway, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune by around 30 minutes.
