Mumbai–Pune Expressway 'Missing Link' Nears Completion with 95% Work Done

A Major Milestone in Maharashtra's Infrastructure Development

The much-anticipated 'Missing Link' project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has reached a significant milestone, with 95% of the work completed, according to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The project, estimated at ₹6,600 crore, aims to enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Pune by reducing travel distance and time. 

Key Highlights of the 'Missing Link' Project

• Project Overview: A 13.3-kilometer stretch designed to bypass the ghat-heavy section between Khopoli and Sinhgad Institute near Lonavala. 
• Travel Efficiency: The new alignment will shorten the distance by approximately 5.7 kilometers, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune by about 30 minutes.
• Engineering Feats:
  
  • An 840-meter viaduct.
  • A 1.75-kilometer tunnel.
  • A 650-meter cable-stayed bridge soaring 100 meters above the Tiger Valley in the Lonavala-Khandala section. 
• Safety Enhancements: The project aims to transform the expressway into a "zero-fatality corridor" by eliminating accident-prone spots and ensuring smoother vehicular flow.

Statements from Key Leaders

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the importance of quality and safety in the project's final stages, stating, "This work has to be done with utmost care. There has to be testing at every level and there should be no negligence."

A senior official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) highlighted the project's complexity, noting, "Although the tunnels and the first viaduct are ready, construction of the second viaduct is ongoing. This part is especially challenging as it spans over a valley."

Outlook for Commuters

Upon completion, the 'Missing Link' is expected to significantly improve the commuting experience between Mumbai and Pune, allowing vehicles to cruise at speeds of up to 120 kmph. The project's design aims to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and provide a more efficient route for travelers. 

The project, which began in 2019, has faced timeline revisions due to complex engineering requirements. Initially targeted for March 2024, the completion date has been extended to August 2025.

With the finishing line now in sight, the 'Missing Link' project promises to usher in a new era of high-speed, high-safety commuting between two of Maharashtra's major economic hubs.

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