28 April,2026 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The officials have made it clear that safety will be the top priority. File Pic/CMO Maharashtra
After years of planning and construction, the "Missing Link" stretch on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will open to traffic from May 1, 2026 with speed limit, no trucks and hazardous vehicles to be allowed for now, officials said.
The new section is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune, offering smoother connectivity for commuters.
The officials have made it clear that safety will be the top priority. The rollout plan has been prepared under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, along with inputs from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and highway police units.
Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) Pravin Salunke has ordered a phased opening of the stretch to ensure proper monitoring and enforcement.
From May 1 to October 31, 2026, only light motor vehicles and buses will be allowed to use the Missing Link. Heavy cargo vehicles will not be permitted during this period, officials said.
From November 1 onwards, authorities will review traffic patterns and safety data before deciding whether to allow goods vehicles on the new stretch, they said.
Vehicles carrying flammable or dangerous goods will be permanently barred from using the Missing Link. Such vehicles will continue to use the existing route.
The officials have set firm speed limits, especially inside tunnels:
100 km/h for cars
80 km/h for buses
Officials warned that even a small violation - exceeding the limit by more than 5 per cent - could lead to penalties.
While the new stretch is expected to ease travel and reduce congestion, authorities have urged motorists not to treat it as a high-speed corridor.
A senior official said the project represents years of effort and investment, and its benefits can only be realised if commuters follow the rules and drive responsibly.
