Mumbai-Pune Expressway bridge, tunnels open to motorists on May 2

MUMBAI: The newly completed Missing Link of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will officially be inaugurated by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 1, as reported by TOI, but regular motorists will be able to use the route only from late that night, with full public access effectively beginning from the morning of May 2.

"After the inaugural function, scheduled for noon, we will take time to remove the pandal and other obstacles and vehicles from the site. That's why for common motorists, it will actually start very late at night," said a senior official from Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).




Ahead of the opening, the state traffic police have issued a notification laying down the operational framework for the high-speed corridor. While it was known that the Missing Link will initially be opened only to light motor vehicles (LMVs) and passenger vehicles, including buses, the duration has now been specified as May 1 to Oct 31, during which goods-carrying vehicles will not be permitted.

Authorities will review traffic patterns and operational safety before deciding whether to allow cargo vehicles from Nov 1 onwards. Strict speed limits have also been prescribed for the new alignment, particularly considering its extensive tunnel sections. Cars will be allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 100 kmph, while passenger buses and other passenger vehicles will be restricted to 80 kmph.

Vehicles transporting hazardous, inflammable or explosive materials will remain permanently barred from using the Missing Link and must continue to use the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway route.

Officials had earlier clarified that there will be no toll increase following the opening of the Missing Link. The toll recovery period had already been extended for the Expressway earlier to account for the Missing Link Project's cost, eliminating the need for any immediate hike.

The link is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by bypassing the accident-prone ghat section, easing congestion and improving safety on one of Maharashtra's busiest highways. The phased rollout, officials said, is intended to ensure smooth operations and safety during the initial months of service.
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