This decision is expected to be announced soon through an official circular by the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic).
The project, built by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, is around 13.3 km long and is likely to be inaugurated next month. Before the opening, officials from MSRDC, the traffic police, the transport department, and SaveLIFE Foundation inspected the route and reviewed traffic plans.
According to officials, about 70 per cent of vehicles on the expressway are cars and buses, while the rest are heavy vehicles. Based on this, only light vehicles will be allowed for the first six months.
After the monsoon season, authorities may allow goods vehicles in a phased manner. This will depend on studies carried out during the initial phase of operations.
Heavy vehicles are often linked to traffic jams and accidents, especially in the ghat section. Officials believe that once the Missing Link starts, traffic load on the Bhor Ghat stretch could reduce by nearly 70 per cent.
This is expected to give a smoother and faster journey for car users and bus passengers. Truck drivers may also benefit as traffic pressure in the ghat section is likely to ease.
Safety is one of the main reasons behind this decision. Recently, a major accident near the Adoshi tunnel, involving a container carrying dangerous material, had blocked traffic for over 30 hours.
The Missing Link project includes two tunnels, one of which is among the longest road tunnels in Asia at 8.92 km.
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