Pune-Mumbai Expressway Missing Link Likely to Open in May 2026, MSRDC Says

MSRDC confirms Pune-Mumbai Expressway Missing Link set to open by May 2026, promising faster travel and eased congestion between Lonavala and Khopoli.

Pune | 07 February 2026 – The much‑anticipated Missing Link section of the Pune–Mumbai Expressway is expected to open for public traffic in May 2026, promising relief from long-standing congestion and steep ghat-road challenges. This 13.3‑kilometre section connects Khopoli to Kusgaon and is designed to bypass the winding Bor Ghat stretch, which has been notorious for sharp bends, heavy traffic, and frequent delays. The expressway authorities have confirmed that the project is in its final stages, with most tunnels, viaducts, and other structures completed, while the iconic cable-stayed bridge is entering its finishing phase.

Once operational, the Missing Link is projected to cut travel time between Pune and Mumbai by 25–30 minutes, shortening the distance by roughly six kilometres. The new alignment includes a nine-kilometre tunnel and a smaller one-kilometre tunnel, designed to provide a smoother, safer, and more efficient route for private vehicles, buses, and freight transport. The cable-stayed bridge, which will tower over the Tiger Valley region near Lonavala, is expected to become a landmark feature of the expressway.

The need for this Missing Link has become more urgent due to frequent congestion on the Bor Ghat section. Heavy traffic, weather-related hazards, and incidents such as long-hour roadblocks have highlighted the risks and inefficiencies of the older route. The new stretch will not only provide faster travel but also enhance safety, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and lower fuel consumption for commuters and transport operators.

Beyond convenience, the Missing Link is expected to have broader economic and regional impacts. Pune and Mumbai, as major urban and commercial hubs, rely heavily on efficient road connectivity for logistics, trade, and daily commuting. The expressway upgrade is anticipated to improve freight movement, facilitate emergency transport, and support tourism and business travel in western Maharashtra.

While the May 2026 timeline is promising, local commuters remain cautiously optimistic. The complexity of bridge construction, mountain terrain challenges, and past delays have led some to seek regular public updates and contingency measures for interim traffic management. Authorities are reportedly planning enhanced monitoring and emergency response systems along the corridor to ensure safety even before the Missing Link becomes fully operational.

Once inaugurated, the Missing Link will represent the most significant improvement to the Pune–Mumbai Expressway in over two decades, offering a modern, high-speed, and safer alternative to the traditional ghat route. It is expected to transform daily travel for millions of commuters while reinforcing the strategic role of road infrastructure in the region’s economic development.

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