Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ is Now Maharashtra's New ‘Connecting Link,’ Says CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday appealed that the newly inaugurated Mumbai–Pune Expressway “Missing Link” should now be referred to as the “Connecting Link.” Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Fadnavis said the existing name no longer suits the purpose of the project, as the route has now successfully connected important sections of the expressway. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Heavy traffic congestion was witnessed on the expressway during the ceremony due to the large turnout of vehicles and visitors, causing delays in the scheduled programme and slowing traffic movement near the inauguration venue.

The Missing Link is now Maharashtra’s New Connecting Link 🛣️
A drive through the Mumbai–Pune ‘Connecting Link', accelerating Maharashtra towards a new QUANTUM CORRIDOR...@mieknathshinde@SunetraA_Pawar#Maharashtra#MissingLinkProjectpic.twitter.com/gIr2Gb0jAp

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 1, 2026

वेग, विश्वास आणि विकासाचा नवा दुवा 🌉

🛣️ Inauguration and stone plaque unveiling of the ‘Missing Link’ Project under the capacity expansion of Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai–Pune Expressway at the hands of CM Devendra Fadnavis, DCM Eknath Shinde and DCM Sunetra Ajit Pawar.
Minister… pic.twitter.com/DIa25GOFTV

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 1, 2026

The newly opened stretch between Khopoli and Kusgaon is around 13 kilometres long and has been developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Officials stated that the route is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by nearly 25 to 30 minutes. The project has been designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on one of Maharashtra’s busiest highways. During his address, Fadnavis emphasised that the term “Connecting Link” better reflects the role of the project in joining key parts of the expressway and improving connectivity for lakhs of commuters travelling daily between Mumbai and Pune.

While explaining the history of the project, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the concept was first proposed in 2010, after which multiple surveys and technical studies were conducted. However, he alleged that the previous government had cited 13 objections, which delayed the project’s progress for several years. Fadnavis said the present Mahayuti government resolved those pending issues and accelerated the work to ensure timely completion. He praised the efforts of engineers, officials, and technical teams involved in the project. According to him, the completion of the route marks a major achievement in Maharashtra’s infrastructure development and demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving transportation facilities.

Fadnavis also highlighted that experts and agencies from seven countries contributed to various technical and engineering aspects of the project. He commended the teams involved in handling the difficult construction work across challenging terrain. One of the key attractions of the project is the massive cable-stayed bridge built along the route, which stands 182 metres above a river. Officials said the structure is among the tallest bridges of its kind in the world and represents a remarkable engineering accomplishment. The bridge is expected to become a prominent landmark on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and a symbol of modern infrastructure development in Maharashtra.

Authorities said the newly inaugurated Connecting Link is expected to help save fuel worth crores of rupees daily by reducing travel time and minimising traffic congestion. Officials added that commuters travelling between Mumbai and Pune are likely to experience smoother journeys and reduced travel-related stress. The project is also expected to benefit commercial transport and improve overall highway efficiency. With modern engineering features and faster connectivity, the Maharashtra government believes the route will play a significant role in strengthening transportation infrastructure in the state and improving travel convenience for thousands of passengers using the expressway every day.