Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link to be Completed by August 2025 with 92% Work Done

The long-awaited missing link project of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which has been plagued by several delays, has now been given a new deadline: August 2025. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) announced the extension, as the remaining work, particularly the completion of a cable-stayed bridge near Lonavala, has faced significant challenges.

Currently, 92% of the project has been completed, with only the final stretch—the cable-stayed bridge near Tiger Valley at Lonavala—remaining. The bridge, with towering pylons reaching an impressive 180 metres, is the project’s final hurdle. This ambitious Rs 6,695 crore project, initially targeted for completion in March 2024, was first delayed to January 2025, and now its final completion is expected in August 2025. Anilkumar Gaikwad, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MSRDC, confirmed that the construction of 12.4 km of the total 13 km stretch of the missing link has been completed. The superstructure of the cable-stayed bridge is almost finished, but the remaining work at high altitudes has posed some difficulty. The viaducts, which are integral to the project, have been particularly impacted by extreme wind pressure at heights of nearly 100 metres, slowing down progress.

The new route, once operational, will significantly reduce travel time between Khopoli and Sinhgad Institute by over 6 km and save commuters about 25 minutes on their journey. It is expected to ease the bottleneck at the Adoshi tunnel and Khandala exit, where traffic often merges with NH-4, causing considerable congestion. The project aims to cater to 85% of the current traffic on the expressway, which should provide much-needed relief for commuters. Despite the anticipated benefits of the project, many daily commuters have voiced their frustration with the continuous delays. Traffic jams on the expressway have been a longstanding issue, and with the completion date pushed further into 2025, impatience has been growing. “It’s been years since this project started, and every time we hear that it will be completed soon, there is another delay. It’s frustrating,” said Ramesh Kumar, a daily commuter from Pune who uses the expressway regularly.

MSRDC officials, however, maintain that the delays are necessary for ensuring the safety and durability of the infrastructure. “The project is progressing cautiously, and safety remains our top priority, especially with the construction of the cable-stayed bridge at high altitudes,” said Gaikwad. Officials also highlighted that the complex nature of the project and the challenging terrain around Lonavala have been factors contributing to the delays. In addition to the missing link project, MSRDC is also working on a proposal to widen the Mumbai-Pune Expressway from six lanes to eight. This Rs 5,000-6,000 crore project, aimed at further alleviating congestion, is currently pending approval. If it proceeds, the project would involve the acquisition of approximately 100 hectares of land, with an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore just for the tunnels. Construction is expected to take another three years, once cleared.

The extension of the expressway and the completion of the missing link will also result in an additional 15 years of toll collection beyond the current contract period, which was originally set to end in 2030. The missing link project has been a beacon of hope for many commuters, but the constant delays have taken a toll on their patience. While the end result promises a faster, smoother journey for thousands of travellers, the delays have made the wait an increasingly difficult one for those who depend on the expressway for their daily commute. As MSRDC pushes forward with the final stages of construction, many are hopeful that the August 2025 deadline will bring the much-needed relief. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s missing link project is a key part of improving the connectivity between the two cities, but its prolonged delays have tested the patience of commuters. With significant progress made and only the final bridge left to complete, the hope remains that the August 2025 deadline will be the final one. Once finished, the new route will ease traffic, cut travel time, and provide a smoother, more efficient experience for commuters in the region.