Hey Pune folks, if you’ve been eagerly awaiting the completion of the missing link project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, you might have to wait a little longer. The project, which was initially supposed to be finished by January 2025, has now been delayed until August 2025. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has completed 92% of the work so far, with just a little more to go.
Anilkumar Gaikwad, the VP and MD of MSRDC, gave an update on the project during a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He mentioned that most of the work is done, with just the construction of the cable-stayed bridge near Tiger Valley in Lonavala left to be completed. This bridge will have four pylons reaching a height of 180 meters, making it quite the engineering feat.
The Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway (YCEW) project has seen its fair share of delays, with the completion date pushed back multiple times. Once finished, the expressway will cut down travel time between Khopoli and Sinhgad Institute by over 6 km, saving drivers about 25 minutes compared to the current route through the ghat section.
Phase-I of the project involved expanding two tunnels, while Phase-II focused on widening two viaducts. The viaduct work has been particularly challenging due to extreme wind pressure at such a height, but officials are working hard to get it done.
The missing link project aims to ease congestion between the Adoshi Tunnel and Khandala exit, where the Mumbai-Pune Expressway merges with NH-4. Once operational, it is expected that 85% of current traffic on the expressway will shift to the new route.
Despite the delays, commuters are hopeful for smoother rides in the future. The MSRDC is also looking to widen the expressway to add one lane in each direction, but administrative approval is still pending. With rising traffic volume, this widening project is crucial for easing congestion on the route.
So, Pune folks, hang in there a little longer. The missing link project is almost complete, and smoother rides are just around the corner.
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