The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation’s (MSRDC) ambitious “missing link” project connecting Mumbai and Pune is now 96% complete, with a revised inauguration target of September 2025. Originally slated for completion in March 2024, the ₹6,600-crore project has seen multiple deadline extensions due to challenging terrain, particularly near Lonavala. Once operational, the 13 km stretch will cut the distance between the two cities by 5.7 km and significantly reduce travel time, enabling vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 120 kmph.
While the first viaduct and tunnels are complete, construction of the second viaduct spanning a deep valley and including a 650m cable-stayed bridge rising 180m above Khandala Valley remains underway. The ongoing work faces added complexity due to the upcoming monsoon, which may hamper progress. The full alignment includes an 840m viaduct, a 1.75km tunnel, the signature cable-stayed bridge, and another 8.9km tunnel that passes 170ft beneath Lonavala lake. MSRDC officials have assured that the remaining construction will not disrupt current traffic flow.