The Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link project, opened to public on Friday would reduce travel time and strengthen Maharashtra’s industrial ecosystem said Deepak Garg, Chairman, CII Maharashtra.

It is called the “Missing Link” because it represents the originally planned, yet long-unbuilt, final section designed to bypass the 19 kms Khandala Ghat section. 

Completed in 2026, this 13.3 kms long project set up at a cost of ₹6,700 crore, finally closes the gap, offering a faster and safer route, reducing travel time by 25–30 minutes.

“Enhanced connectivity will improve logistics efficiency, reduce costs, and boost investor confidence, enabling businesses to scale operations more effectively,” he said.

”Continued investment in infrastructure remains essential to building a competitive business environment and sustaining economic growth in the state,” he added.

The project reflects Maharashtra’s continued focus on infrastructure development as a driver of industrial and economic expansion, he emphasised.

On what the project means for Pune’s real estate Rohit Gupta, Managing Director, Mantra Group said “The Missing Link will be a structural positive for Pune’s real estate market. By cutting travel time and making the Mumbai–Pune corridor smoother and safer, it strengthens Pune’s appeal for both end-users and investors from Mumbai.”

“We expect more Mumbai-based buyers to evaluate Pune seriously, not just as a second-home or investment market, but also as a realistic migration option for better lifestyle, larger homes and long-term value creation l he said.

“This improved connectivity will support demand across Pune’s growth corridors and reinforce the city’s position as one of India’s most attractive real estate markets,” he added.

For enhanced safety the project has got India-first advanced crash barrier systems which has bed installed by Godrej Enterprises Group and DELTABLOC, a global leader in vehicle restraint systems headquartered in Austria.

 It is engineered to provide high containment levels as per design standards, and redirect impacting vehicles, absorb collision forces and reduce the risk of severe injury to vehicle occupants in the event of accidents. 

Designed for demanding road conditions and high-speed corridors, these road crash barrier systems have been installed across more than 45 countries.

Anup Mathew, EVP and Business Head, Construction Business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “As India builds the infrastructure that will power its next phase of growth, safety must be built into every major project and milestone.”

“With DELTABLOC, we are enabling the introduction of a globally proven vehicle restraint technology in India for the first time, backed by our engineering expertise and execution capabilities,” he said.

Undertaken by the Maharashtra Government’s arm MSRDC, the Missing Link project has been built using recycled construction materials.