Drone pictures of the "missing link" project at the Mumbai-Pune Motorway offer a rare aerial perspective of the unexplored stretch

After years of planning and construction, the “Missing Link” stretch on the Mumbai-Pune Motorway will open to traffic from May 1, 2026, with a speed limit; no trucks or hazardous vehicles are to be allowed for now

The new section of the Mumbai-Pune Motorway is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune, offering smoother connectivity for commuters

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

The project includes major tunnels measuring 1.75 km and 8.9 km, built beneath the Lonavala Lake area, as well as a 650-metre cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley with pylons rising 182 metres

The Missing Link is expected to reduce fuel consumption, lower vehicle emissions, and reduce pressure on the older ghat section of the motorway, thus reducing the travel time between Mumbai and Pune significantly