The long-awaited “Missing Link” project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is moving rapidly toward completion, promising to transform travel between Maharashtra’s two largest cities. Stretching 13.3 kilometres and connecting Khopoli exit to Kusgaon, the project has achieved nearly 93 per cent completion, according to officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The agency has set a target to open the new route by May 2026.
The Missing Link is designed to offer commuters a safer, faster, and more convenient alternative to the existing Bor Ghat stretch. Once operational, it is expected to reduce the distance between Mumbai and Pune by approximately six kilometres and cut travel time by nearly 25 minutes. The route will bypass the accident-prone and frequently congested ghat section, making travel smoother for thousands of daily commuters and long-distance travellers.
Currently, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and National Highway 4 converge near the Khalapur toll plaza and separate again at the Khandala exit. While the stretch between Adoshi Tunnel and Khandala exit is six-laned, it often handles traffic equivalent to ten lanes, causing regular congestion. The area is known for steep gradients, sharp curves, and landslides during the monsoon, sometimes forcing the closure of lanes toward Mumbai. These challenges underscored the need for the Missing Link project.
MSRDC initiated the project in 2019, aiming to provide a viable alternative to the winding Bor Ghat section. The new alignment includes one of India’s tallest valley bridges, standing approximately 181 metres high. A major portion of the bridge has already been constructed, with cable installation and linking of bridge sections mostly completed. Engineers and project managers report that this structural feat represents a significant achievement in Indian road construction.
Officials explained that the Missing Link will not only reduce travel time but also enhance safety for commuters. The alternative route bypasses the ghat stretch, which is prone to accidents, steep inclines, and narrow lanes. By diverting traffic, it is expected to ease congestion and improve the overall driving experience, especially during monsoon months when landslides can disrupt travel on the existing route.
In addition to saving time, the project will provide a more reliable route for commercial vehicles, buses, and long-haul traffic. Freight operators are particularly keen on the route as it will facilitate smoother movement between Mumbai’s industrial hubs and Pune’s manufacturing and IT corridors, potentially reducing operating costs and improving delivery schedules.
The construction of the Missing Link has involved complex engineering, given the steep terrain and ecological sensitivity of the ghat region. Environmental clearances, land acquisition, and coordination with multiple stakeholders presented challenges during planning and execution. Despite these hurdles, MSRDC has kept the project on track, showcasing effective project management and timely execution.
MSRDC officials emphasized that the project is a part of broader efforts to modernize the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, one of Maharashtra’s busiest and most strategically important road corridors. Once completed, the Missing Link is expected to improve connectivity, support economic activity, and enhance road safety across the region.
For commuters, the benefits will be tangible from day one: shorter travel times, smoother driving conditions, and reduced risk of accidents. For the state, it represents a significant infrastructure milestone that combines engineering excellence with practical solutions to chronic traffic challenges.
As Maharashtra gears up for the Missing Link’s operational launch in 2026, the project stands as a testament to modern infrastructure development, promising to make travel between Mumbai and Pune faster, safer, and far more convenient.
