Devendra Fadnavis, who serves as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, referred to the newly launched 13.3 km "Missing Link" project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as an 'engineering marvel' and an 'iconic project.' The CM performed the inauguration ceremony of the long-awaited 13.3km project last Friday, according to the Hindustan Times.
One of the most important projects on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been developed to ensure safer transportation and reduce travel time by bypassing the steep mountain pass section along the expressway.
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The Missing Link was inaugurated by Fadnavis at the Khalapur end of the expressway in Raigad district and then drove on the Lonavala-bound carriage road. He was joined by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde.
The #MissingLink between Mumbai and Pune is no more missing ! #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/hIeyAmFy7y
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 1, 2026
What is the ‘Missing Link’ project?
The project, executed by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, has been built at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. It includes two tunnels, two viaducts and a cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley. The stretch is designed to avoid the accident-prone and congested ghat section, which often sees heavy traffic during weekends and holidays.
Fadnavis highlighted the scale of the project, noting that it features the world's widest road tunnel and the country's tallest cable-stayed bridge. He said the project has also been included in the Guinness Book of World Records.
He added that the corridor would act as an “economic multiplier”, with the potential to generate an economy worth ₹70,000 crore by boosting connectivity and industrial activity in the region.
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a car during the inauguration of the ‘Missing Link’ Project ANI According to the chief minister, the project was first conceptualised in 2010 but faced several delays over the years. Among the key concerns raised were environmental and alignment issues, including objections related to a lake situated above the proposed route.
Why did Fadnavis apologise?
Despite being aimed at easing congestion, the inauguration day saw a massive traffic jam in the Khandala or Bhor ghat section. Many commuters were stranded for hours, leading to criticism over the timing of the event, which coincided with school holidays and a long weekend.
Responding to the situation, Fadnavis apologised for the inconvenience caused to travellers. He also described the completion of the project as a “dream come true”.
“This should not be called a Missing Link but a Connecting Link. Nothing is missing. Everything is in place,” he said.
