Mumbai-Pune Missing Link Nears Completion

06 May 2025 CW Team

The long-awaited Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is now 96 per cent complete, with final handover expected by September 2025. Originally slated for completion in March 2024, the Rs 66 billion project promises to cut travel time between the two cities by 30 minutes and bypass the accident-prone Khandala and Lonavala ghat sections.

Executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the 5.7-km straight-line route connects the Khopoli exit to Sinhgad Institute, reducing the existing 19.8-km stretch. Featuring a mix of tunnels and viaducts, the project includes Asia’s widest twin tunnels—measuring 8.9 km and 1.75 km at 23.3 metres wide—and a 650-metre cable-stayed bridge soaring 180 metres above Khandala Valley.

While one viaduct has been completed, the second is still under construction and may face weather-related delays with the onset of monsoon. MSRDC officials attribute the repeated extensions to the project’s technical complexity, including tunnelling beneath Lonavala Lake and constructing in high-rainfall terrain.

Launched in March 2019, the Missing Link is expected to significantly reduce emissions, fuel use, and road accidents. It aligns with India’s climate goals by cutting idle time and promoting safer, sustainable urban transport infrastructure.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..