{"id":1308945,"date":"2026-04-30T09:31:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T04:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/?p=1308945"},"modified":"2026-04-30T09:31:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T04:01:53","slug":"pune-mumbai-expressways-missing-link-to-open-on-may-2-30-mins-to-be-saved","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/pune-mumbai-expressways-missing-link-to-open-on-may-2-30-mins-to-be-saved\/","title":{"rendered":"Pune Mumbai Expressway’s Missing Link To Open On May 2: 30 Mins To Be Saved"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The much-anticipated Missing Link project<\/strong> on the Mumbai\u2013Pune Expressway is set to open for motorists from May 2, 2026<\/strong>, marking a major milestone in Maharashtra\u2019s road infrastructure. The stretch will be officially inaugurated on May 1 (Maharashtra Day), with public access starting the next morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This project has been in the making for years and is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Mumbai and Pune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Missing Link?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Missing Link is a 13.3-km newly constructed stretch<\/strong> connecting Khopoli to Kusgaon near Lonavala<\/strong>, designed to bypass the congested and accident-prone Khandala ghat section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Built with advanced engineering, the route includes long tunnels, viaducts, and a cable-stayed bridge<\/strong>, making it one of the most sophisticated highway upgrades in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel Time Cut by 30 Minutes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest advantages of the project is reduced travel time. The new alignment is expected to cut the Mumbai\u2013Pune journey by at least 25\u201330 minutes<\/strong> and shorten the distance by around 5\u20136 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By avoiding sharp curves and steep gradients in the ghat section, the new route will ensure smoother and faster travel<\/a>, especially during peak traffic and holiday rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safer and More Efficient Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The existing ghat section has long been known for traffic congestion and accident risks. The Missing Link addresses these issues by offering a straighter, access-controlled route<\/strong> with better safety features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improved road design, better gradients, and modern infrastructure are expected to enhance driving safety and reduce fatigue for commuters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Rules for Initial Phase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Authorities have introduced restrictions in the initial phase of operations. For the first few months:<\/p>\n\n\n\n