Mumbai-Pune Expressway's Missing Link Opens, Easing Traffic for Commuters
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link opens: Pune-bound arm thrown open, Mumbai side shut temporarily
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The long-awaited Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was inaugurated on May 1, 2026, with one arm now open to traffic, significantly reducing travel time. The Mumbai-bound arm remains temporarily closed for infrastructure dismantling. The project features the world's widest underground tunnels and aims to alleviate congestion on this busy route.
- 01The Missing Link is a 13.3-km stretch designed to ease traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
- 02The project includes the world's widest underground tunnels, recognized by Guinness World Records.
- 03Travel distance between Mumbai and Pune is reduced by approximately 6 km, cutting commute time by at least 30 minutes.
- 04The project involved international expertise in design and engineering from multiple countries.
- 05The Mumbai-bound arm is temporarily closed for dismantling post-inauguration.
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On May 1, 2026, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the 13.3-km Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, aimed at easing significant traffic congestion. The newly opened Pune-bound arm is expected to reduce the travel distance between the two cities by approximately 6 km, cutting commute times by at least 30 minutes. However, the Mumbai-bound arm remains temporarily closed to dismantle inauguration infrastructure. The project features the world's widest underground tunnels, recognized by Guinness World Records, with a width of 22.3 meters and lengths of 1.6 km and 8.9 km. The project utilized international design inputs and engineering expertise from countries including Canada, Austria, and Singapore. Fadnavis criticized previous administrations for shelving the project in 2013, stating it was revived after the BJP took power in 2014. The Missing Link aims to significantly alleviate traffic snarls that have plagued commuters on this busy route.
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The opening of the Missing Link is expected to significantly reduce travel times for commuters, easing congestion and improving overall traffic flow on one of Maharashtra's busiest routes.
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