Commuters between Mumbai and Pune are set for a major upgrade as the long-awaited missing link on the expressway connecting the two cities is finally ready for its public debut. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced that the new stretch will be inaugurated on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, promising to slash the journey time by a significant 30 minutes.
Project Nears Completion After Weather Delays
Officials confirm that the ambitious project, which was originally scheduled for completion in December 2025, is now 98% complete and in its final phase. The delay was primarily caused by harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds in the challenging ghat section. Monsoon safety concerns repeatedly forced work to halt, pushing back the timeline.
With the final countdown underway, MSRDC has intensified on-site inspections and implemented round-the-clock monitoring. The focus is now squarely on applying the finishing touches, conducting rigorous safety checks, and running system trials to ensure a smooth and secure opening for the public.
An Engineering Feat in Tiger Valley
This is no ordinary road project. The core of the missing link is a 650-metre cable-stayed bridge situated deep inside Tiger Valley, representing one of MSRDC's most complex engineering challenges. Built at a staggering height of over 180 metres above ground, the bridge required precision and skilled execution. Authorities emphasized that work was deliberately not rushed to avoid any long-term safety risks.
The project also includes two tunnels, measuring 8.9 km and 1.9 km respectively, both of which are already complete. The superstructure of the high-altitude bridge was constructed using eight cantilever form travellers. A massive workforce of around 1,000 labourers has been deployed daily at the site, with strict safety protocols in place given the difficult terrain and technical nature of the work.
Traffic Relief and Enhanced Safety
The operationalization of this missing link is expected to bring substantial benefits to the thousands of daily commuters. Primarily, it will ease the notorious congestion on the existing ghat section, which is characterized by sharp curves and steep gradients. The new, straighter alignment is projected to significantly reduce the risk of accidents, making the drive not just faster but also much safer.
With an estimated cost of ₹6,695 crore, the project has been highly anticipated by regular expressway users who have long awaited an improvement in travel comfort and efficiency. The May 1 opening marks the culmination of this massive infrastructure endeavor, set to redefine connectivity between Maharashtra's two major economic hubs.
