The new 13.3-km bypass has been built to avoid the busy and accident-prone ghat section on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Officials say the route can reduce travel time by around 20 to 30 minutes, especially during peak traffic hours.
The Missing Link starts near Khalapur Toll Plaza on the Mumbai side and reconnects to the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway near Lonavala on the Pune side.
One of the biggest highlights of the project is the new alignment passing through the Tiger Valley area, including the country’s tallest cable-stayed bridge. This allows drivers to skip steep climbs, sharp turns and heavy congestion on the old ghat route.
Earlier, commuters travelling between Mumbai and Pune often faced long delays on the hilly stretch, especially on weekends, during holidays and in the monsoon season. Travel time would sometimes stretch to 3 to 3.5 hours because of traffic jams and road safety issues.
With the new bypass now open, motorists can expect a more predictable and comfortable journey, with travel time likely to stay closer to 2.5 to 3 hours under normal traffic conditions.
The smoother route is also expected to reduce fuel use and lower vehicle wear and tear, offering long-term benefits for regular travellers.
The new link will also make weekend trips to places like Lonavala, Khandala, Karjat and Neral easier, with less time spent in traffic.
However, officials have said certain heavy vehicles may face restrictions on the new stretch for safety reasons. Motorists are advised to follow traffic rules, road signs and FASTag instructions while using the route.
The opening of the Missing Link is being seen as a major boost for one of Maharashtra’s busiest travel corridors.
read more at mumbaipune.co.in
