The long-pending ‘Missing Link’ project on the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway has reached its final stage, with the Maharashtra government planning to open it for traffic by May 1.
The project is being implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and is expected to significantly reduce travel time while improving road safety along the busy Mumbai–Pune corridor.
Under the project, a direct route between Khopoli and Khandala is being developed through tunnels, bypassing the accident-prone Lonavala–Khandala ghat section. The existing stretch is known for sharp curves, frequent accidents, and vehicle overturning incidents, especially involving heavy vehicles.
Once operational, the new alignment is expected to ease traffic congestion and ensure smoother and safer travel, particularly during monsoon and peak travel periods.
In parallel, regional infrastructure development under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is also progressing. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is fast-tracking the proposed “Mumbai 3.0” project, with 216 acres of land already acquired near Pen in Raigad district.
The development model focuses on “consent-based development” instead of displacement, offering landowners compensation options such as Transferable Development Rights (TDR), Floor Space Index (FSI), and land pooling mechanisms, which officials say have received a positive response.
Together, the Missing Link project and Mumbai 3.0 initiative are expected to enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions, reduce travel burden, and support long-term economic growth.
Also Read: Mumbai: HC Clears Path for Dharavi Redevelopment, Rejects Koliwada Exclusion Plea
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