CM Uddhav Thackeray Inspects Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link Project
Mrunal Jadhav
Pune, December 10, 2020: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inspected the construction work of the new Mumbai-Pune Expressway stretch from Khopoli to Kusgaon. The Urban Development and Public Works (Public Enterprises) Minister Eknath Shinde, Energy Minister Nitin Raut, Transport Minister Anil Parab and other officials were also present for inspection.
The project’s total cost is Rs 6695.37 crore. The total length of the project is 19.80 km. Under this project, the existing 5.86 km Khalapur to Khopoli interchange will be constructed in 8 lanes. 13.3 km from Khopoli Exit to Kusgaon (Sinhgad Institute) will have two tunnels (1.68 km and 8.87 km respectively) and two viaducts (0.900 km and 0.650 km respectively).
Due to the project, the distance of 19 km from Khopoli exit to Sinhgad institute will reduce by 6 km and become 13.3 km. So this will save 20-25 minutes travel time. The project was approved by the Forest Department on 4th June 2019, and by the State Environment Committee on 24th August 2018.
Project will be done in two packages
Package 1- 8 lane 2 tunnels and a new highway will be constructed from Khopoli exit to Kusgaon (Sinhgad Institution). For package 1 (Tunnel work), M / s. Navayuga Engineering Co. Ltd was ordered to start work on 21 February 2019.
Package 2- Khopoli exit to Kusgaon (Sinhgad Institute) 8 lane 2 viaducts and Khalapur Patkar Naka to Khopoli exit 8 lane highway will be constructed.
For package 2 under (work of viaduct), M/s Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. was ordered to start work on March 1, 2019. Package 1 and Package 2 are scheduled to be completed by December 2022.
Need for the project
Mumbai-Pune expressway (6 lanes) and National highway no. 4 (4 lanes) come together near Adoshi tunnel and separate at Khandala exit. It is a Ghat area and has many ups and downs on the road. During monsoon one lane near the hills coming from Mumbai is closed due to the landslides which cause a traffic jam.
