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Building Pune: ‘Missing link’ project to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune likely to get delayed again

The Rs 6,595-crore ‘missing link’ road project between Mumbai and Pune was started in 2019 and was to be completed in 2022, but got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The existing Mumbai-Pune expressway section from Khopoli exit to Sinhgad Institute in Kusgaon spans 19.8 km, and passes through the hill town of Lonavala. (Source: Express Photo)

The much-awaited 13.3km-long ‘missing link’ road project that will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune is likely to take more time for completion. The project was expected to be completed by May this year, but the deadline had to be extended till December. But it may now miss the revised deadline as well.

“The implementing agency is seeking a further extension of the deadline by at least three months. This means the project might get completed in March next year,” said a state Transport Department official.

As per the official, work is on for a cable-stayed bridge, “and it has to be done correctly, keeping in mind the safety concerns of commuters.”

Rakesh Sonawane, Executive Engineer, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), said, “The early onset of monsoon this year and the consequent heavy rain have affected the speed of the project, which is in the last stages of completion.”

On the contractor’s demand for extension of the deadline, he said, “We will scrutinise it.”

The ‘missing link’ project will reduce the travel time between the two cities by half an hour and the distance by over six kilometres. The 13.3-km road project, which is likely to be ready in another eight months, would save Rs 1 crore of fuel every day and will have Asia’s widest tunnel.

The existing Mumbai-Pune expressway section from Khopoli exit to Sinhgad Institute in Kusgaon spans 19.8 km, and passes through the hill town of Lonavala. However, the missing link project will reduce this distance to 13.3 km – as it cuts across the hill through two tunnels measuring 8.9 km and 1.7 km, respectively. The project also encompasses two bridges of 840 metres and 650 metres in length.

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The work on both tunnels is complete, and the construction of a bridge is complete, while the work on the 840-metre-long cable-stayed bridge is nearing completion.

The Mumbai-Pune expressway was constructed two decades ago and has been witnessing an increase in traffic every year. In addition to saving travel time between Mumbai and Pune, Sonawane said the new route would reduce the wear and tear of vehicles and help commuters avoid fatigue.

According to MSRDC, the ‘missing link’ tunnels are 23.30 metres wide with four lanes and one emergency lane. Also, the 650-metre bridge is one of the tallest in the country.

The Rs 6,595-crore road project was started in 2019 and was to be completed in 2022, but got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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