The much-awaited Missing Link Project on the Mumbai -Pune Expressway is set to become operational by September 2025. The New link would reduce the traveling time between the two cities to be redacted by around 30 minutes. The New 13.3 km stretch would shorten the current 19.8 km route between the Khopoli exit and Sinhgad Institute by 5.7 km. It’s an ultimate rejoice for the travelers as it would add further convenience to their travels with the addition of a faster and a safer alternative route.
MSRDC- Maharashtra State Road Development , has been overseeing the project that stands for about Rs 6,600 Crore. The whole project has been aimed to provide the users with ease of access and solve the congestion issues as planned. The Expressway link that is being constructed sees 60,000 vehicles daily.
“We have completed 92 percent of the work, and the remaining tasks are progressing as planned. We intend to start operations by September,” said a senior MSRDC official.
Officials Comment
The officials have further confirmed that the rates would not change as of now but might get a revision every three years in line with the standard practices. The Toll collection period, initially was set to end in 2030, and would be extended, with the state governments approval on the exact duration.
The project was initially set to finish in March 2024 but has witnessed delays ever since its construction began in March 2019. A major highlight in the operations has been the construction of India’s widest tunnel which spans 23.30 m. The twin tunnels would feature four lanes of motorable road along with emergency lanes on each side, and beyond that the construction plans also include a cable car as well. The longest tunnel of the project would have a stretch of around 8.87Km.
The new link would help the travelers by pass the steep slopes and Ghat sections of the hills and offer them a smooth and efficient ride to the expressway. Beyond the other construction projects two additional bridges are also being built near khopoli to connect the tunnels to the expressway. Once operation the new link would reduce the hassles that travelers had to face to along the Mumbai Pune Expressway.
