Cars, Buses Only on Pune-Mumbai Missing Link in First Phase, Heavy Vehicles May be Allowed after Six Months

Pune, 22nd April 2026: The newly constructed ‘Missing Link’ section on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway will initially be opened only to cars and buses in the first phase. An official circular from the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) on the same is expected soon, said officials.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is preparing to inaugurate the 13.3-km Missing Link project next month. Against this backdrop, senior officials from MSRDC, the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), the transport department and SaveLIFE Foundation recently inspected the project and reviewed traffic management plans for its opening.

Officials said nearly 70 per cent of traffic on the expressway comprises cars and buses, while heavy vehicles account for around 30 per cent. Based on this, only cars and buses will be allowed to use the Missing Link during the first six months of operations.

After the monsoon, goods vehicles are likely to be allowed limited access, depending on traffic studies conducted during the initial phase.

Authorities said heavy vehicles are a major cause of congestion in the ghat section and are frequently involved in accidents. Once the Missing Link becomes operational, traffic pressure on the Bhor Ghat stretch could reduce by nearly 70 per cent. Light vehicles and private cars are expected to benefit from a smoother, congestion-free journey, while truck drivers may also see reduced traffic in the ghat section.

Officials also cited safety concerns behind restricting certain categories of vehicles. A recent accident near the Adoshi tunnel, where a container carrying highly inflammable material overturned, had paralysed traffic on the expressway for over 30 hours. The Missing Link includes two tunnels, including Asia’s longest road tunnel at 8.92 km.