Mumbai: The long-awaited “Missing Link” project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is in its final stretch, with authorities indicating the new bypass section is nearing readiness and may open around 1 April, according to media reports. Once operational, the new alignment is expected to significantly ease congestion at the Lonavala–Khandala ghat section, improve safety, and cut travel time between Mumbai and Pune by around 25–30 minutes.
The Missing Link is one of Maharashtra’s most technically demanding road infrastructure projects, designed to bypass the winding and accident-prone ghat stretch on the existing expressway. It is being executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and involves a combination of tunnels, viaducts, and a prominent cable-stayed bridge constructed across the Tiger Valley region near Lonavala.
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What the Missing Link includes
The project covers an approximately 13-km corridor connecting the Khopoli–Kusgaon region, aimed at eliminating the current bottleneck near Lonavala, where tourist traffic and steep gradients often slow vehicles to a crawl. The new link includes two major tunnels widely reported as about 8.9 km and around 1.7–1.9 km in length, along with major viaduct structures and the high-profile bridge in Tiger Valley.
A key engineering highlight is the 650-metre cable-stayed bridge, which has been described as one of MSRDC’s most complex bridge structures due to the challenging terrain and strong wind conditions in the valley. Reports have noted that several construction activities had to be carefully scheduled around weather constraints, especially during the monsoon months, contributing to delays from earlier deadlines.
Travel time to drop by up to 30 minutes
Once opened, the Missing Link is expected to reduce the Mumbai–Pune commute by at least half an hour, while also shortening the driving distance by several kilometres. This is because the new alignment provides a straighter, faster route that avoids the slow-moving ghat segment.
In addition to time savings, officials and commuters expect the new route to improve overall driving comfort and road safety, as the existing ghat section contains sharp curves and steep gradients that often trigger traffic slowdowns, breakdowns, and accidents, particularly during heavy rains.
Project cost and construction status
The Missing Link project has been widely reported as a multi-thousand-crore infrastructure initiative, with estimates around ₹6,600–₹6,700 crore. Recent updates suggest the overall work has entered its final stage, with completion levels reported in the high 90s and finishing tasks focused on bridge works, systems trials, and safety checks.
According to reports, large teams continue to work on-site daily to complete remaining tasks under strict safety conditions, given the high-altitude bridge work and difficult terrain around the valley and tunnel sections.
Opening timeline: April 1 being discussed, May 1 also reported
While the SwarajyaMag report indicates an opening around 1 April, other recent reporting has also mentioned 1 May 2026 as a possible launch date, timed with Maharashtra Day, depending on final inspections and approvals. The final opening date is expected to be confirmed after trial runs and mandatory safety certifications are completed.
For motorists, the Missing Link will likely mark the most meaningful upgrade to the expressway corridor in years bringing smoother traffic flow, fewer choke points near Lonavala, and a safer, faster drive between Maharashtra’s two most important urban centres.
