New Delhi: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project may not be inaugurated on May 1 as was planned. The reason being the disruptions caused by the ongoing
US-Iran conflict which has affected critical construction supplies. According to reports, the conflict has made procuring bitumen which is an important material in road surfacing very difficult as its prices have reportedly increased by almost 50 per cent. Imports from key supplier countries like Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait have been disrupted, which has caused the price surge and delay.
West Asia crisis and the shortage of bitumen
The construction of the project is in its final phase and it has been hit by the crisis of bitumen. The surfacing work of the two cable-stayed bridges of the project has been especially affected. The construction of the tunnels and approaching roads are done and they have been layered with bitumen. However, the structural works of the bridge were completed only in the middle of March and the final surfacing is yet to be done.
Also, the conflict in West Asia has affected the supply of light diesel oil which is used for the operation of machinery used in asphalt and tarring work, further delaying the completing of finishing activities. The inauguration may reportedly get postponed, but efforts are being made full tilt to stick to the original timeline.
The Missing Link project of 13.3 km will create a faster and safer alternative route between Khopoli and Kusgaon. Thanks to the project, commuters can bypass the section of the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway which is congested and prone to accidents. The project has two tunnels of 8.87 km and 1.68 km, and there are two cable-stayed bridges. The project will reduce travel time and improve road safety and authorities are trying to finish it within the deadline.
