Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ Partially Opens, Full Access Expected Soon

Mumbai: The much-anticipated ‘Missing Link’ stretch on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has been partially opened for public use, offering initial relief to commuters travelling between the two cities, as reported by Free Press Journal. Currently, only the Mumbai-to-Pune carriageway is operational, while the Pune-to-Mumbai lane remains temporarily closed due to pending finishing work and safety inspections.

According to the Free Press Journal, the project was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following which traffic was allowed on the newly completed stretch connecting the Khopoli exit to Kusgaon. This section has been designed to bypass the accident-prone and congested Lonavala–Khandala ghat, aiming to improve both travel efficiency and road safety. 

However, the rollout has been partial, leading to inconvenience for travellers heading from Pune to Mumbai. Vehicles on this route are currently being diverted to the older ghat road until the remaining carriageway is opened. Officials have indicated that the Pune-to-Mumbai lane is likely to become operational within the next two to three days once final checks are completed. 

Traffic authorities have issued advisories urging commuters to plan their journeys accordingly and remain aware of diversions. Despite the initial disruption, reports suggest that traffic flow on the operational stretch has been smooth since its opening, with no major congestion reported.

The Free Press Journal report highlights that the ‘Missing Link’ is a major infrastructure development aimed at strengthening connectivity between Mumbai and Pune, two of Maharashtra’s key economic centres. Once fully functional, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion on the existing route, and enhance overall commuter safety.

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