Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link: Goods vehicles barred, speed limits set ahead of November 1 opening

The new regulations will come into effect on November 1, 2026, and remain in force until further orders. Representational Pic

The Maharashtra Traffic Police have issued permanent traffic regulations for the tunnels on the Missing Link project of the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway, with the new rules set to come into effect from November 1, 2026, until further orders.

Under the notification issued by the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), only light motor vehicles (LMVs), including cars, and passenger buses and other passenger vehicles will be permitted to use the Missing Link route.

Goods vehicles, hazardous cargo barred

All goods-carrying vehicles will be prohibited from using the Missing Link, including light commercial vehicles such as pickup trucks and Tata Ace vehicles. These vehicles will have to continue using the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway route.

Vehicles transporting flammable, explosive or other hazardous materials will also be strictly prohibited from using the route, in line with tunnel safety norms and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The restrictions are intended to regulate vehicle movement through the tunnel infrastructure and ensure safer traffic operations along the new route.

Speed limits set for cars, passenger buses

The notification prescribes a maximum speed limit of 100 kmph for cars and other light motor vehicles. Passenger buses and other passenger vehicles will be allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 80 kmph.

The notification also states that penal action under Section 183 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, will not be taken if a vehicle exceeds the prescribed speed limit by up to five per cent.

Rules to remain in force until further orders

The new regulations will come into effect on November 1, 2026, and remain in force until further orders, according to the traffic department's notification.

The Missing Link project is designed to improve connectivity along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway by providing an alternative route through tunnels and other infrastructure. The latest regulations establish vehicle eligibility, speed limits and restrictions on hazardous cargo for traffic using the route.

The traffic department said the rules aim to maintain traffic discipline and improve safety, particularly within the tunnels.