Commuters between Mumbai and Pune can finally see light at the end of the tunnel, quite literally. The long-awaited 13.3-kilometre 'missing link' project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Lonavala is nearing completion and is scheduled to open to the public by March 2026. This crucial infrastructure development promises to slash travel time between the two megacities by 25 to 30 minutes, offering much-needed relief from chronic traffic snarls.
Engineering Marvel Overcomes Hilly Terrain
The project, which began in 2019 with an initial completion target of 2022, faced significant delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, challenging hilly terrain, and adverse weather conditions. Senior officers from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed that the major construction hurdles have now been overcome. The remaining work involves only minor finishing touches.
This ambitious bypass aims to eliminate the bottleneck created by the existing 19.8-km stretch that winds through the popular hill station of Lonavala. The narrow roads and heavy tourist influx, especially on weekends and during festivals, have been a primary cause of traffic chaos. The new link strategically cuts the distance to 13.3 km by going straight through the geographical barriers.
Tunnels and Bridges: The Core of the Project
The engineering feat involves constructing two massive tunnels and two cable-stayed bridges. The tunnels, measuring 8.9 km and 1.7 km in length respectively, are notable for being Asia's widest tunnels at 23.30 metres, accommodating four lanes plus an emergency lane. These were completed several months ago.
The project also features two impressive cable-stayed bridges, one spanning 840 metres and the other 650 metres. Officials highlighted that the 650-metre bridge is among the tallest in India. The most challenging part, according to MSRDC, was constructing the viaduct that connects the two tunnels across a deep valley. With this critical component now finished, the final link is firmly in place.
Transformative Impact on Travel and Economy
The operationalisation of the missing link will have a transformative impact on inter-city travel. Currently, the journey between Pune and Mumbai via Vashi takes approximately 3.5 hours, often extending further due to congestion. The new bypass is expected to bring this down to about 3 hours on the same route.
Furthermore, when combined with the recently inaugurated Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu), travel time from Pune to South Mumbai is projected to drop to around 2.5 hours. Beyond saving time, the project will also reduce the distance between the two cities by over 6 kilometres, leading to significant fuel savings for daily commuters and commercial transporters alike.
The MSRDC has also proactively widened the lane towards Khopoli to manage the anticipated increase in vehicle flow once the new link becomes operational. With a total project cost of Rs 6,595 crore, this missing link is poised to be a game-changer for regional connectivity and economic activity in Maharashtra.
