For travellers eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a fresh update suggests a possible delay. The project, which was expected to be opened around
Maharashtra Day on May 1, may not meet the deadline due to external challenges affecting construction work.
The primary reason behind the delay is the ongoing war between the USA, Iran and Israel in the Gulf region, which has disrupted the supply of crucial construction materials. A significant portion of bitumen (tar), essential for the road’s top layer, is imported from nations such as Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.
Over the past two weeks, bitumen prices have surged by nearly 50%, while shipments transported via sea routes have been delayed. Additionally, there is a shortage of light diesel oil, which is required to operate construction machinery, further slowing the pace of work.
Final Stage Work Faces Setback
The 13.3-kilometre project is largely complete, including the construction of Asia’s widest tunnels and the approach roads. However, the final phase, laying the top layer of tar on two major cable-stayed bridges, has been affected due to the shortage of materials.
These bridges, whose structural work was completed in March, remain the last critical component before the project can be opened to traffic.
Officials Weigh Delay, Work Continues
Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) have indicated that the inauguration may need to be postponed if the current situation persists. Despite this, contractors have been directed to complete all remaining work by April 25.
If construction is finished within the revised timeline, a load test for the bridges is scheduled for April 30, which is a key step before opening the route for public use.
Project Features And Route Details
The Missing Link spans 13.3 kilometres between Khopoli and Kusgaon. It includes two long tunnels measuring 8.87 km and 1.68 km, along with two prominent cable-stayed bridges that are considered engineering highlights of the project.
Once operational, the Missing Link is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Pune by approximately 20 to 25 minutes. The project is designed to bypass the existing ghat section of the expressway, which is known for frequent traffic congestion and accidents.
Long History Of Delays
Although the concept for the Missing Link dates back to 1995, construction only began in 2018. The project has faced multiple delays over the years, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now because of international geopolitical disruptions affecting supply chains.
Despite these setbacks, authorities continue efforts to complete the project at the earliest, given its importance in improving connectivity and reducing travel time on one of Maharashtra’s busiest routes.
