Nearly 24 years after the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was opened, the long-awaited 'Missing Link' project is nearing completion.

The project, which aims to ease congestion and reduce travel time between the two cities, is set to be completed by 01 April, 2026. Once operational, it will cut journey times by up to 25 minutes and shorten the expressway by nearlysix6 km. The Rs 6,695.37 crore project is being executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and focuses on the congested section between Khalapur and Lonavala. Despite several delays, the project is now 94 percent complete. Notable milestones include the construction of two tunnels and two major bridges. A critical component, the cable-stayed bridge, is nearing completion.

MSRDC officials stated, “The revised timeline accounts for the complexity of the terrain and difficult working conditions.” The new stretch includes an 8-lane alignment and widened sections, set to significantly improve traffic flow.