Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Delayed Due to Heavy Rains, Completion Now Expected by Early 2026
Lonavala, 26th October 2025: The much-awaited missing link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, being constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is likely to be delayed due to persistent heavy rains and strong winds. The project, designed to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune, was initially scheduled for completion by the end of December, following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to complete it by November.
The missing link spans approximately 13.5 kilometers between Khopoli and Kusgaon, and includes four-lane expressway expansion, two tunnels, and a cable-stayed bridge. Currently, about 95 percent of the work has been completed, with construction of the cable-stayed bridge underway.
Impact of Weather on Construction
According to Dr. Anil Kumar Gaikwad, Managing Director of MSRDC, “The heavy rains and strong winds over the last five months, particularly in the valley sections, slowed down work on the bridge. The pace of construction has now picked up, and we expect to complete the project by January-February 2026.”
The cable-stayed bridge is being built on a 28-meter-deep foundation, featuring two viaducts. One viaduct, 850 meters long, has been completed, while the second, approximately 600 meters long with a height of 182 meters, is still under construction. The valley winds at this site can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h, and high rainfall adds to the engineering challenges. Once completed, the bridge will allow vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h safely.
Reducing Traffic Congestion on Ghat Sections
Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been steadily increasing, particularly in the Ghat sections, leading to congestion. The missing link is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease traffic flow. MSRDC has converted a 6.5-kilometer stretch of the expressway from three lanes to four lanes to accommodate higher vehicle volumes.
Official Statement
Dr. Gaikwad said, “The intensity of the rains slowed down the construction of the cable-stayed bridge, which was limiting progress. Now that rainfall has reduced, work has picked up pace, but completing the project within the earlier deadline of November-December is no longer feasible.”
The Chief Minister had visited the project in July and urged faster progress. While the delay is unavoidable due to weather conditions, officials remain confident that the missing link will be operational by early next year, enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and Pune.
