Pune: The missing link project along the express way which is expected to reduce travel time between Pune and Mumbai by atleast 25 minutes may be completed only be end of this year, MSRDC officials told TOI on Friday.MSRDC Vice Chairman Anil Gaikwad told TOI that the missing link project is 95% complete. However, the work of the cable-stayed bridge in the Tiger Valley is still underway. “We do not want to rush this stretch and it has to be constructed properly as it involves highly skilled technical work. We are expecting that this stretch will only be completed by December 2025 considering the challenges,” he told TOI.The earlier deadline for the opening of the project was August 2025. The project has two components_the tunnel and the cable stayed bridge. While the tunnel work is over, the bridge work can be taken after rains.Authorities have cited heavy rains and strong winds as the main reasons for the delay and said they do not want to compromise with safety as the work site is in a deep valley with high wind flow and heavy showers in monsoon.The missing link includes a 10.60 km long tunnel which is constructed and the adjoining cable-stayed bridge being built over the Tiger Valley which is incomplete. While the substructure work of the bridge is completed, the work of installing the cables is in progress. The bridge is being constructed at an elevation of over 180 from the ground.Once completed, the missing link is expected to reduce travel time between Pune-Mumbai by at least 25 minutes while the sharp curves on the current ghat section will be minimised reducing the risk of accidents. The traffic congestion in the ghat section is expected to reduce due to this missing link project. The overall cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 6,695 crore.MSRDC appointed 22 private players to develop and operate wayside amenities along the Samruddhi corridorMSRDC has appointed 22 private players to develop and operate full-fledged wayside amenities along the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi corridor, MSRDC Vice Chairman Anilkumar Gaikwad confirmed. The wayside amenities for motorists such as fuel stations, garages, eateries, public conveniences, and first aid clinics are missing, heightening the risk of accidents along the way. To fill the gap, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has appointed private players to develop these amenities and the full facilities are expected to come up in stages in the next two years. Around 10 acres of land each will be dedicated for these locations. The Samruddhi Mahamarg spans 701 km, which is currently open to traffic.
