MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was seen driving a G-Wagen during the inauguration of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s much-awaited ‘missing link’ on Friday, marking a key milestone in the state’s infrastructure push.After inaugurating the project, Fadnavis drove the SUV along the Lonavala-bound carriageway, with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde seated beside him. Visuals showed Devendra Fadnavis behind the wheel of a blue G-Wagen as officials and supporters looked on.Calling the project an “engineering marvel”, Fadnavis said the expressway upgrade, built at a cost of around Rs 7,000 crore, would act as an “economic multiplier” and help generate economic activity worth Rs 70,000 crore by boosting connectivity, investments and industrial growth along the corridor. “The ‘missing’ is over… Maharashtra moves forward with stronger connectivity,” he said.The inauguration coincided with Maharashtra Day celebrations, drawing large crowds and heavy traffic to the ghat sections of the expressway.Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘missing link’: What you need to know
- 19.8-km stretch built at a cost of nearly Rs 6,700 crore by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation
- Includes tunnels, viaducts, and elevated sections bypassing the Khandala ghat.
- Cuts travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 25–30 minutes.
- Reduces distance by around 6 km
- Features a 182-metre-high cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley (Umbarkhind), among the tallest in India
- Bridge designed to withstand wind speeds up to 240 kmph, with international testing inputs
- Experts warn of possible dense fog during monsoon and winter, affecting visibility
- Devendra Fadnavis stresses strict lane discipline; violations to attract penalties
- Speed limit set at 100 kmph for cars and 80 kmph for buses
- Route open only to light motor vehicles and passenger buses initially
- Heavy vehicles not allowed till at least October 31
- Expected to improve connectivity, safety, and boost economic activity along the corridor.
However, the event also led to massive congestion in the Khandala and Bhor ghat stretches, with commuters reporting long delays since early morning. Many questioned the timing of the inauguration, citing the long weekend and school holidays.Addressing the issue later, Fadnavis apologized for the inconvenience caused to travelers and acknowledged the traffic disruption during the event.
