Mumbai, May 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated a new lane on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Friday. However, the opening ceremony caused unprecedented traffic jams on the highway, delaying the event slightly.
The 13-kilometer stretch, previously identified as a ‘missing link,’ has been renamed by the Chief Minister, who urged the public to refer to it as a ‘connecting link.’ The Mumbai-Pune ‘missing link’ project, costing ₹7,181 crore, aims to reduce travel distance and time while eliminating traffic congestion. It is also expected to generate an economic impact of ₹70,000 crore.
During the event, Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar received a certificate from Guinness World Records for the world’s widest underground tunnel. This tunnel, measuring 22.33 meters in width, was constructed as part of the capacity enhancement project for the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in the Lonavala area.
In his speech, the Chief Minister highlighted that this project exemplifies modern engineering skills. It will provide a direct, faster, and safer route, reducing the winding and hazardous paths through the ghats. Consequently, travel time will significantly decrease, leading to fuel savings and environmental benefits.
According to the Chief Minister, the new ‘connecting link’ between Kusgaon and Khopoli will cut travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 25 to 30 minutes and reduce the distance by 6 kilometers. He praised the engineers of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for this ‘engineering marvel.’
The project includes the world’s highest cable-stayed bridge, standing at 182 meters. It is anticipated to save millions in daily fuel costs.
Fadnavis noted that the bridge’s construction involved contributions from seven countries, including Canada (original design), Taiwan (drafting), Denmark (wind testing), and Austria (cable testing). Malaysia provided the cables, while Austria/ Godrej handled safety barriers, and Singapore offered cable expertise.
Addressing engineering challenges, Fadnavis stated that the bridge is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. It can remain stable even at wind speeds of 240 km/h, surpassing recent cyclone winds of 130-155 km/h.
He criticized the previous government for halting the project, which was proposed in 2010 due to a report citing 13 reasons for its ‘impossibility,’ including claims that it could not pass beneath Lonavala Lake. He credited the Mahayuti government for overturning that decision in 2015 and initiating the work.
Fadnavis drew historical parallels, noting that the project site is where the Battle of Umbarkhind occurred in 1661, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj led 5,000 Marathas to defeat a massive Mughal army. He emphasized the site’s historical and sacred significance.
Acknowledging the heavy traffic caused by the event, the Chief Minister apologized to the public, particularly addressing MP Supriya Sule, who was also caught in the jam. He assured her that this would be the last time she would face such traffic, as the ‘connecting link’ is now complete. He emphasized that the work was accomplished by their Mahayuti government, not the previous administration.
Fadnavis reiterated that after the initial crowd on the inauguration day subsides, the ‘connecting link’ is expected to alleviate long-term traffic issues in the Khandala-Lonavala ghat section.
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