Mumbai-Pune Expressway shortens travel by 25 minutes

The progress of the 13.3 km Missing Link Project on the Mumbai Pune Expressway, extending from the Khopoli exit to Kusgaon, is reported to be advancing swiftly. It has been stated that the tunnelling work for this project, comprising two tunnels measuring 1.67 km and 8.92 km respectively, has been completed, while efforts are currently directed towards the construction of the 170-metre-high cable-stayed Dari Bridge. Media reports suggest that the MSRDC aims to finish the project within the next four months. As part of the Missing Link Project, a new eight-level road, featuring two tunnels and two viaducts, is being constructed to provide an alternative route, thereby reducing the current 6 km detour through Bhor Ghat. At present, the distance between Khopoli and Kusgaon stands at 19 km, but upon the operationalization of this project, the distance will be shortened by 6 km. This reduction is expected to cut down travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 25 minutes. Moreover, in an effort to mitigate accidents, revised speed limits have been introduced for vehicles traversing the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, commonly referred to as the Mumbai Pune Expressway. The alteration in speed limits is attributed to the transition from a flat expressway to a sloped expressway. Failure to decrease speed from 100 km/hr to 50 km/hr while navigating these slopes could pose a risk. As per the traffic notification issued, this adjustment applies to the Bhor Ghat section as well as the entire Mumbai Pune Expressway route. Surveillance of the entire stretch will be conducted via CCTV cameras, with stringent measures to be taken against any violations.