A political row has broken out over the Mumbai–Pune Expressway’s newly opened “Missing Link” after photographs shared by BJP leaders Ravi Landge and Keshav Upadhye sparked allegations of selective enforcement. Landge, the Mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Upadhye, a BJP spokesperson, faced criticism after posting pictures taken on the high-speed stretch despite repeated police warnings against stopping vehicles there. The Missing Link, inaugurated on May 1 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. This new route has quickly become a major attraction because of its scenic engineering design, cutting through the Sahyadri mountain ranges.
The controversy intensified after Ravi Landge uploaded a photograph from the Missing Link section, where Highway Police have consistently cautioned motorists against halting vehicles. Authorities have repeatedly stated that stopping on the expressway is extremely dangerous because vehicles travel at speeds between 100 and 120 kmph. Police had earlier launched a strict enforcement campaign, first issuing fines and later warning that criminal cases could also be registered against violators taking selfies or photographs on the route. Following Landge’s post, many citizens questioned whether the same rules applied equally to political leaders and ordinary motorists using the expressway.
Also Read: Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Gets India’s First Advanced Precast Crash Barrier System
Questions surrounding alleged double standards grew stronger after BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye also shared a picture from the same stretch. The absence of any official clarification on whether action was taken against either leader further fuelled public criticism on social media. Citizens have been asking whether Landge and Upadhye had obtained special permission to stop their vehicles, whether any challans were issued, or if criminal complaints had been registered. The issue gained traction because Highway Police had only recently intensified action against common travellers, warning that stopping on the Missing Link for photography could invite severe legal consequences due to safety concerns.
The Missing Link project has received widespread appreciation for significantly reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune while showcasing advanced engineering through tunnels, bridges and elevated sections across the Sahyadris. One of the route’s major attractions is its towering suspension bridge, which has drawn thousands of curious travellers eager to experience the scenic drive. However, officials say this popularity has also encouraged risky behaviour, with many motorists halting on the expressway to click photographs. Highway Police have repeatedly stressed that stopping vehicles on such a fast-moving corridor is extremely hazardous and described the act as “flirting with death.”
Attention is now focused on whether authorities will initiate action against prominent figures like Ravi Landge and Keshav Upadhye in the same manner as they have against regular motorists. The incident has reignited debate over whether influential individuals receive leniency despite clear regulations being in place. Citizens and social media users continue to monitor the response of the Highway Police, demanding transparency regarding any penalties or legal measures imposed. Many believe the outcome of this controversy will determine whether enforcement on the Missing Link remains uniform for all travellers or strengthens perceptions that VIPs operate under a different set of rules.