A major infrastructure milestone was recorded in Maharashtra as the tunnel constructed under the Missing Link project on the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s widest underground road tunnel. The tunnel, which has been measured at 22.33 metres in width, was formally acknowledged during an official ceremony held on Maharashtra Day. The record certificate was presented to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of senior political leaders, government officials, engineers and representatives connected with the project.
The tunnel has been developed as a key part of the ambitious Missing Link project, which has been designed to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. The stretch, connecting Khopoli and Lonavala, has been planned to reduce travel time by around 25 minutes and ease pressure on one of India’s busiest expressway corridors. By bypassing the difficult and accident-prone ghat section, better safety and smoother vehicular movement are expected to be achieved.
A detailed technical briefing was provided before the Guinness certificate was handed over. Engineers from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and representatives of the construction firm Navayuga explained the challenges faced during the execution of the tunnel through the Western Ghats. The project was described as a significant engineering achievement because of its scale, terrain conditions and advanced construction methods.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Public Works minister Shivendrasinh Raje Bhosale, Employment Guarantee Scheme minister Bharat Gogawale, Women and Child Development minister Aditi Tatkare, and other senior leaders. Members of Parliament and MLAs were also present.
However, the inauguration was also marked by traffic disruption. Heavy congestion was witnessed on parts of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as arrangements for VIP movement led to lane closures. The long weekend traffic further added to the pressure, leaving many motorists stranded for hours in the summer heat. The irony of the situation was highlighted by the fact that the ceremony itself was reportedly delayed due to traffic snarls. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis issued an apology to commuters who faced inconvenience. He said that even Supriya Sule had been caught in the traffic and that her message had reached the organisers. It was assured by him that such congestion would be avoided in the future with the operationalisation of the Missing Link. The project was also presented as a major achievement of the Mahayuti government.
Overall, the Missing Link tunnel has been positioned as both an engineering landmark and a practical transport solution for Maharashtra. Its Guinness World Records recognition has added global significance to the project, while its real success will be judged by the smoother, safer and faster movement it is expected to provide between Mumbai and Pune.
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