The long-awaited new link road on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway is nearing completion, with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) announcing that 90% of the project is already finished. The new road will provide faster access to the Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to open in April 2025. By reducing travel time by up to two hours, the link road will significantly enhance accessibility for travelers, offering a more efficient route to the airport.
Currently, the drive from Pune to Mumbai’s existing international airport is 160 km long and takes approximately four hours. However, the new link road will cut the distance to Navi Mumbai International Airport to just 120 km, reducing the travel time to about two and a half hours. The new route will bypass the town of Lonavala, further decreasing the journey time to as little as two hours. This development is expected to revolutionize the connectivity between Pune and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, offering a much-needed shortcut for frequent travelers. Spanning 13.3 km, the link road will bypass a challenging 19.8-km section of the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, including the Lonavala ghat, notorious for its steep slopes and sharp curves. The new road will improve safety, ease traffic congestion, and provide smoother travel along this vital route. It incorporates advanced safety features such as an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and emergency medical services. The project also includes the construction of two tunnels and two cable bridges to ensure seamless passage through the difficult terrain, further enhancing the overall travel experience.
With a total budget of ₹6,595 crore, the project is expected to be completed by June 2025. Although initially slated for completion in 2022, the project experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with construction now in full swing, the link road is progressing rapidly, and its completion is anticipated to significantly improve traffic flow on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. Once finished, the new link road will provide travelers with a quicker and safer route to the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The enhanced connectivity will not only benefit daily commuters but also those heading to international destinations. By improving accessibility, this infrastructure upgrade is poised to bolster the region’s economy and further enhance the effectiveness of the transport network. With the new link road, the Pune-Mumbai Expressway will become a key catalyst in improving connectivity and driving economic growth across Maharashtra.