Mumbai–Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ to Open by May 1, Save 25 Minutes Travel Time
Lonavala, 19th January 2026: The long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is now nearing completion and is expected to open for traffic by May 1, saving commuters up to 20 to 25 minutes of travel time. The new route will serve as an alternative to the winding and congestion-prone ghat section, significantly improving connectivity between Mumbai and Pune.
The project is being described as a major engineering achievement. Its biggest highlight is what is being touted as the world’s widest road tunnel. The tunnel has a total of 10 lanes — five on each side — and stretches nearly nine kilometres, making it the longest road transport tunnel in the country.
Built using advanced technology and modern safety systems, the route is designed to reduce the risk of landslides during the monsoon. The cable-stayed bridge work in the Lonavala ghat section is currently underway at a fast pace. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and other concerned agencies to complete the construction by March 31.
MMRDA Managing Director Anil Gaikwad said that technical trials and safety inspections will be carried out in April. “The government plans to open the Missing Link route to the public on May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, after all tests and security checks are completed,” he said.
Officials believe the Missing Link project will become a milestone in Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure. By bypassing the steep climbs, sharp curves and bottleneck areas of the Khandala and Lonavala ghats, the new route will offer faster, safer and smoother travel.
Key benefits for commuters include:
– Time saving: Travel time between Mumbai and Pune will be reduced by around 20 to 30 minutes.
– Fuel efficiency: Fewer slopes and curves will help cut fuel consumption.
– Safety: Commuters will be diverted away from landslide-prone and accident-sensitive zones, especially during the monsoon.
The Missing Link is expected to transform daily commuting and long-distance travel on one of India’s busiest expressways, offering relief to thousands of motorists who use the Mumbai–Pune corridor every day.
