Pune-Mumbai Expressway’s Missing Link Project Set to Shave Off 6 km, Saving Commuters 25 Minutes
Mumbai/Pune, 22nd April 2024: Construction of the 13.3 km alternative road, known as the missing link project, on the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway (Pune-Mumbai Expressway) from Khopoli Exit to Kusgaon is progressing rapidly. Two tunnels, measuring 1.67 km and 8.92 km respectively, have been completed under this initiative, while work on the Dari Bridge is currently underway.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) aims to finalize the missing link project within the next three to four months. Once completed, this project will reduce the distance between Pune and Mumbai by 6 km, saving travellers approximately 25 minutes of travel time.
Efforts are underway to streamline travel between Mumbai and Pune by shortening the distance between the two cities. The implementation of this project will significantly enhance travel convenience along the Pune-Mumbai corridor. The missing link project involves the construction of a new eight-level road, incorporating two tunnels and two viaducts, thereby offering an alternative route to the 6 km detour through Bhor Ghat.
The tunnels in this project have a width of 23.5 meters. A one-kilometre tunnel has been constructed for traffic from Mumbai to Pune, while the longest tunnel, spanning nine kilometres, facilitates travel from Pune to Mumbai. Both tunnels have already been completed. Officials from the MSRDC anticipate the project’s completion within the next three to four months.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Pune National Highway No.4 intersect near the Khalapur Toll Plaza and diverge again at the Khandala exit. The Adoshi Tunnel to Khandala exit segment consists of 6 lanes, accommodating up to 10 lanes of traffic. Given the high elevation changes and frequent landslides during the monsoon season, one lane near the hills toward Mumbai typically needs to be closed. In response to these challenges, the MSRDC initiated the missing link project spanning 13.3 km from Khopoli exit to Kusgaon on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
