Introduction to Mumbai Pune Missing Link Project :
The Mumbai Pune Expressway’s 13.3 km ‘Missing Link’ project, also known as the Khopoli-Kusgaon Connector, is an ambitious infrastructure project undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Project Details:
The link aims to connect the two towns of Khopoli and Kusgaon through a state-of-the-art, 8-lane access-controlled highway that bypasses the Khandala Ghat region, known for its hairpin turns and frequent landslides. Upon completion, the link is expected to reduce travel distance by 6 km and travel time by 25 minutes, providing a straighter and safer route for commuters.
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The project comprises of two twin tunnels (1.75 km & 8.92 km), two cable stayed bridges (770m & 645m), one small bridge, and various culverts. The 645m cable stayed bridge will feature parallel piers standing at a height of 170m, with decks approximately 100m above the ground.
Project Timeline:
The project received approval from the Maharashtra Government’s Cabinet in June 2017, with a deadline for completion set for March 2024. However, the project is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2025, based on the current progress. The project is being developed on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, with contracts for the project being awarded in February-March 2019 with a 36-month completion period.
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Salient Features Mumbai Pune Missing Link Project :
Some key features of the Mumbai Pune Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ project are summarized in the table below:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 13.30 km |
| Lanes | 8 |
| Right of Way (ROW) | 100m |
| Tunnel Width | 23.50 m |
| Status | Under Construction |
| Deadline | March 2024 |
| Estimated Cost | Rs. 6695.36 crore |
| Owner | Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) |
| Project Model | Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) |
| Package 1 (Twin tunnels) Contractor | Navayuga Engineering Company (NEC) |
| Package 2 (Bridges) Contractor | Afcons Infrastructure |
| EPC General Consultants (GC) | Geodata S.pA and Louis Berger JV |
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Alignment/Route Map of Mumbai Pune Missing Link Project
Current Status of Mumbai Pune Missing Link Project :
As of October 2021, tunneling work on the project is being carried out through controlled blasting method, with the first tunnel breakthrough for the right-hand side tunnel being recorded in October 2021, and the left-hand side tunnel in February 2022.
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Conclusion:
The Mumbai Pune Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ project is a crucial infrastructure development that will not only improve connectivity between Khopoli and Kusgaon but also enhance the overall transportation network in the region.
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