Mumbai-Pune expressway to have world's widest tunnels
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Mumbai-Pune expressway to have world's widest tunnels

After its inauguration two decades ago, India's first Expressway is set to become even more seamless for lakhs of motorists traveling between Mumbai and Pune. The much-awaited Missing Link, which will make the Expressway bypass the winding and dangerous ghat section, is nearing completion and is scheduled to be unveiled by July 2024. About 85% of the Expressway's current traffic is projected to use the new route.

The Rs 6,695-crore project, undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), boasts of several records, including the world's widest twin tunnels, spanning 47 m over 10 lanes, a fact recognized by Guinness World Records. The daylighting process for the tunnels, in two stretches of 8.9km and 1.7km, has been completed. The remaining task involves bridging the 650-metre gap between them with the country's tallest cable-stayed road link, being constructed in the scenic Tiger Valley of the weekend getaway Lonavala. The construction of pylons, with an average height of 132 metres, and a maximum height of 182 metres, and connecting pillars for the bridge are in their final stages, said Rahul Vasaikar, the project's superintending engineer.

The 12.1km Missing Link project aims to bypass the expressway's 19km Khandala ghat section, reducing the distance between Mumbai and Pune by over 6km and travel time by nearly 30 minutes. This reduction will result in significant fuel and carbon savings, as the ghat section burns fuel because of ascent and traffic congestion. Although the Expressway's toll structure will not change, motorists will have to pay it for 15 years beyond the existing toll contract period, which was scheduled to end in 2030.

After its inauguration two decades ago, India's first Expressway is set to become even more seamless for lakhs of motorists traveling between Mumbai and Pune. The much-awaited Missing Link, which will make the Expressway bypass the winding and dangerous ghat section, is nearing completion and is scheduled to be unveiled by July 2024. About 85% of the Expressway's current traffic is projected to use the new route.The Rs 6,695-crore project, undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), boasts of several records, including the world's widest twin tunnels, spanning 47 m over 10 lanes, a fact recognized by Guinness World Records. The daylighting process for the tunnels, in two stretches of 8.9km and 1.7km, has been completed. The remaining task involves bridging the 650-metre gap between them with the country's tallest cable-stayed road link, being constructed in the scenic Tiger Valley of the weekend getaway Lonavala. The construction of pylons, with an average height of 132 metres, and a maximum height of 182 metres, and connecting pillars for the bridge are in their final stages, said Rahul Vasaikar, the project's superintending engineer.The 12.1km Missing Link project aims to bypass the expressway's 19km Khandala ghat section, reducing the distance between Mumbai and Pune by over 6km and travel time by nearly 30 minutes. This reduction will result in significant fuel and carbon savings, as the ghat section burns fuel because of ascent and traffic congestion. Although the Expressway's toll structure will not change, motorists will have to pay it for 15 years beyond the existing toll contract period, which was scheduled to end in 2030.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Arya Omnitalk Powers India’s Toll Revolution with AI-Driven Solutions

Arya Omnitalk, a leader in intelligent transportation systems, is revolutionising toll collection across India’s national highways with its advanced AI-powered Toll Management Solutions. Designed for rugged remote toll locations, the company’s cutting-edge technology ensures seamless, reliable, and secure tolling—especially during high-capacity operations exceeding 200%. By integrating real-time analytics, cyber protection, and FASTag-based cashless tolling, Arya Omnitalk’s systems are significantly reducing congestion, improving transparency, and enhancing revenue assurance. Its full..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Over 800 Join Anant Raj Runathon to Mark Earth Day

Over 800 participants came together at Anant Raj Estate, Sector 63A, Gurugram, for the Anant Raj Runathon 2025—a vibrant celebration of Earth Day through fitness, community bonding, and sustainability. Curated by renowned running coach Ravinder, the event featured four categories: 10-mile and 5-mile timed runs, a 5-mile walkathon, and a 1-mile kids’ run. Runners of all ages took to the green, scenic roads of the area—some chasing personal bests, others running for a cause. The Runathon was designed to promote healthy living while raising awareness about sustainable practices. Participa..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

PETRONAS Lubricants, Quaker Houghton Ink Strategic Deal

In a significant step towards strengthening industrial operations in India and Malaysia, PETRONAS Lubricants India Pvt. Ltd (PLIPL) and Quaker Houghton have announced a strategic partnership aimed at delivering high-performance industrial fluid solutions to key manufacturing sectors, including steel production. The collaboration combines the strengths of both companies—leveraging PETRONAS Lubricants India’s maintenance lubricant technologies and Quaker Houghton’s deep expertise in metalworking fluids. Starting from the second quarter of 2025, Quaker Houghton will begin offering PETRONAS..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?