Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link Nears Completion, Promises Faster & Safer Travel by 2026

Commuters travelling between Mumbai and Pune may soon experience a significantly smoother and faster journey as the long-awaited Mumbai–Pune Expressway missing link project moves closer to completion. Officials have confirmed that the crucial stretch is on track to open by March-end 2026, offering major relief to one of India’s busiest expressway corridors.

Once operational, the missing link is expected to reduce travel time by up to 30 minutes, improve road safety, and eliminate one of the most congested and accident-prone sections of the expressway — the Khandala ghat.

Bypassing the Khandala Bottleneck

The new 13.3-kilometre missing link will bypass the steep and winding Khandala ghat stretch between Lonavala and Khalapur, a section notorious for traffic snarls, sudden slowdowns, and frequent accidents, particularly during monsoon months and peak travel hours.

Currently, vehicles navigating this ghat section face unpredictable delays due to sharp inclines, heavy truck traffic, and weather-related disruptions. The missing link aims to remove this uncertainty by providing a direct, flatter, and technologically advanced route.

State-of-the-Art Engineering Through the Sahyadris

The missing link, running between Kasarvati and Ambivli, cuts through the challenging terrain of the Sahyadri ranges. To tackle this, the project includes long tunnels and elevated viaducts, designed to ensure smoother gradients, improved visibility, and safer driving conditions.

Officials from the Maharashtra Expressways Industrial Development Corporation (MEIDC) said the design incorporates modern engineering standards to withstand the region’s harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and fog.

“These tunnels and bridges will allow vehicles to maintain steady speeds, reducing both fatigue and accident risks,” an official familiar with the project said.

Predictable Commutes for Businesses and Travellers

Beyond reducing travel time, the missing link is expected to bring predictability to journeys — a critical factor for logistics operators, business travellers, and daily commuters.

Truck drivers and transport companies often face delays that disrupt supply chains between Mumbai, Pune, and other industrial hubs along the corridor. With the new stretch, travel schedules are expected to become more reliable, benefiting trade, manufacturing, and regional connectivity.

Weekend travellers and tourists heading to hill stations like Lonavala and beyond are also likely to benefit from reduced congestion and smoother weekend travel.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Shorter travel times mean lower fuel consumption, reduced vehicle emissions, and less stress on engines — delivering environmental and economic gains. Officials note that reduced idling and smoother driving conditions could contribute to improved fuel efficiency across thousands of daily trips.

Increased efficiency on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is also expected to strengthen economic ties between the two cities, enhancing productivity and encouraging business expansion along the corridor.

Safety a Key Priority Before Opening

MEIDC officials have emphasised that while construction is nearing completion, rigorous safety audits and inspections will be conducted before the missing link is opened to traffic.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to complete the project by March next year,” MEIDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Devendra Fadnavis said, adding that safety assessments will be carried out to ensure the infrastructure meets all standards before public use.

A Long-Awaited Upgrade for a Vital Corridor

The Mumbai–Pune Expressway remains one of India’s most important road links, connecting the financial capital with a major industrial and IT hub. The missing link project, which has been awaited for years, represents a major upgrade in the expressway’s overall efficiency and resilience.

Once operational, the new stretch is expected to transform daily commutes, weekend travel, and freight movement, making journeys between Mumbai and Pune faster, safer, and more predictable than ever before.