Pune:The long-awaited Mumbai–Pune Expressway “missing link” project is entering its final stretch. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) officials confirmed on Saturday that the project is 99% complete and is expected to be ready by April-end.The 13.3-km bypass between Khopoli and Kusgaon is designed to alleviate chronic congestion on the steep Lonavala–Khandala ghat section. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 25–30 minutes.“With 99 per cent of the project finished, we are now focused on the final touches,” said Anil Gaikwad, MSRDC vice-chairman and managing director, following a recent site review. “Work should be fully completed by April 25, well within our end-of-month deadline.”Gaikwad noted that construction continued throughout last year’s monsoon season to keep the project on track. While the state government previously suggested a May 1 inauguration to coincide with Maharashtra Day, MSRDC officials told TOI that the final opening date remains at the discretion of the state leadership.The project is highlighted by twin tunnels and a massive cable-stayed bridge, both of which are structurally complete. Construction partner Afcons Infrastructure is currently laying the bitumen road surface on the bridge deck.Before the stretch opens to the public, the bridge will undergo a crucial load-bearing test to verify its stability and safety under real-world conditions.“The entire stretch will open to the public only after the necessary safety tests are successfully completed,” Gaikwad added.According to project officials, only a few tasks remain, including installation of approximately 400 metres of crash barriers, final painting and signage installation, testing of the tunnel water-mist fire suppression systems, reflective painting over a 3-km stretch and landscaping.The missing link will allow motorists to bypass the accident-prone and narrow ghat section, shortening the total travel distance by 6km. Beyond saving time for over 1.5 lakh daily commuters, the project is expected to significantly lower fuel consumption and vehicular emissions.The cable-stayed bridgeLength: 650 metresHeight: Among the tallest road bridges in India, featuring 182-metre pylons (surpassing the 128-metre pylons of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link)Additional Infrastructure: The project also includes an 850-metre-long viaductAbout the cable-stayed bridgeThe project includes a 650-metre-long cable-stayed bridge, which will be among the tallest road bridges of its kind in India.The structure features pylons rising to 182 metres, higher than the 128-metre pylons of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.The project also includes an 850-metre-long viaduct.________________________________Project at a glanceTotal project length: 13.3 km (Khopoli to Kusgaon stretch)Tunnel I: 1.68 kmTunnel II: 8.87 kmTunnel width: 23.50 metresApproach roads: 10.2 kmExpressway widening: 5.86 kmProject cost: Rs 6,695 crore________________________________Key benefitsDistance reduced by 6 kmTravel time cut by 25–30 minutesReduced fuel consumption and emissionsSafer commute for over 1.5 lakh daily users
