The prospect of shorter travel times between Pune and Mumbai is on the horizon, thanks to the ongoing construction of a pivotal cable-stayed bridge as part of the Rs 6,695 crore missing link project along the Lonavala ghat section. While initially slated for completion by July of this year, unforeseen challenges such as the impact of Covid-19, monsoon winds, and the requirement for skilled workers to operate at considerable heights may extend the project timeline to March next year.
Engineering Marvel in Progress: This cable-stayed bridge, characterized by four 182-meter tall pylons, is poised to become a landmark feat, withstanding formidable wind pressures amidst the scenic Tiger Valley of Lonavala. Upon its completion, commuters can anticipate a reduction in travel time by half an hour, offering immense relief to the multitude of motorists traversing between Mumbai and Pune on a daily basis.
Record-Breaking Tunnels and Future Prospects: The missing link project encompasses not only the cable-stayed bridge but also the construction of twin tunnels, acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as the widest globally, spanning an impressive 47 meters across 10 lanes. While these tunnels, totaling 8.9km and 1.7km respectively, were unveiled last year, bridging the 650-meter gap between them remains a critical task, necessitating the construction of the country’s tallest cable-stayed road link.
Promising Benefits and Environmental Impact: The overarching goal of this project is to circumvent the Khandala ghat section, thereby slashing the Mumbai-Pune distance by over 6km and reducing travel time by nearly 30 minutes. Such a substantial reduction holds the promise of significant fuel and carbon savings, particularly as the current ghat section incurs fuel consumption due to the ascent and traffic congestion.
Financial Considerations and Long-Term Vision: While the toll for utilizing the Expressway is not expected to change, motorists should anticipate an extension of the toll payment period by 15 years beyond the current contract term. Despite this financial adjustment, the long-term benefits in terms of enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times underscore the importance of such infrastructure investments for the region’s economic and social development.
In summary, the imminent completion of the cable-stayed bridge project signifies a monumental leap forward in enhancing connectivity between Pune and Mumbai, promising faster and more efficient journeys for commuters while paving the way for sustainable development and growth in the region.
