MUMBAI: The 13.3-km Mumbai-Pune Expressway “Missing Link” is now fully operational for vehicular traffic in both directions. The Mumbai-bound carriageway opened to commuters at noon on Saturday following a brief delay for infrastructure dismantling and cleaning work, a day after the Pune section was thrown open.
The corridor was officially inaugurated on May 1 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
Spanning from Khopoli to Kusgaon, the much-anticipated infrastructure project bypasses the accident-prone Bhor Ghat stretch. The new alignment is projected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 20 to 30 minutes, significantly easing congestion and improving safety on one of Maharashtra’s busiest thoroughfares.
MSRDC Issues Strict Warning Against Sightseeing
Despite the project’s success, authorities have raised concerns regarding public behavior on the new corridor. Just a day after the opening, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) issued a strong advisory urging commuters not to stop on the expressway stretch.
The warning comes after multiple videos surfaced online showing commuters halting their vehicles on the cable-stayed bridge to take photos, walk around, or treat the highway like a picnic spot. Officials emphasized that this behavior is a severe safety hazard, capable of disrupting traffic flow and increasing the risk of accidents.
Earlier it was on Atal Setu, now it’s on Missing Link. Proper picnic spot vibes indeed!
— Harshit Baranwal (@dtrancemaniac) May 1, 2026
And none of these folks will be penalized. 😶
(Video taken from Insta handle named @aartistic_nari) pic.twitter.com/6FFUZP72Jo
“This is a high-speed route strictly meant for transit, not for leisure activities,” a MSRDC official stated.
The entire 13.3-km access-controlled route is under 24/7 surveillance, and authorities have stated that strict action will be taken against violators. Officials reiterated that unnecessary halts pose a direct threat to both the pedestrians and passing motorists.
Guidelines for Commuters
To ensure smooth transit and safety, commuters are requested to adhere to the following regulations:
- Speed Limits: 100 kmph for cars and 80 kmph for heavy vehicles.
- Lane Discipline: Strict adherence to lane rules is required.
- No Unnecessary Halts: Stopping for photos, videos, or leisure breaks is strictly prohibited.
- Surveillance: The route is monitored 24/7 by an extensive camera network.
The opening of the missing link marks a major upgrade, but officials remind the public that world-class infrastructure requires equally responsible public behavior to function effectively.
