top of page

By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Missing Link on Mumbai–Pune Expressway: A Critical Infrastructure Push

Mumbai: The over 30-plus hour traffic jam on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway on Wednesday and Thursday, has once again underscored the urgent need for the long-pending “Missing Link” project — a strategic intervention aimed at eliminating chronic congestion, particularly along the vulnerable Khandala-Lonavala ghat stretch. The unprecedented disruption, triggered by an overturned gas tanker near the Adoshi tunnel, left thousands stranded for over a day and exposed deep structural bottlenecks in...

Missing Link on Mumbai–Pune Expressway: A Critical Infrastructure Push

Mumbai: The over 30-plus hour traffic jam on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway on Wednesday and Thursday, has once again underscored the urgent need for the long-pending “Missing Link” project — a strategic intervention aimed at eliminating chronic congestion, particularly along the vulnerable Khandala-Lonavala ghat stretch. The unprecedented disruption, triggered by an overturned gas tanker near the Adoshi tunnel, left thousands stranded for over a day and exposed deep structural bottlenecks in Maharashtra’s most vital intercity corridor. Chaos That Exposed Infrastructure Gaps The crisis illustrated how a single accident can paralyse the entire expressway for hours — or even days. Commuters reported limited emergency support, slow vehicle movement and widespread frustration as the traffic jam extended beyond 30 hours. Experts and transport planners argue that the existing ghat section remains highly vulnerable due to steep gradients, merging traffic streams and limited bypass options. Consequently, when accidents occur, there are few alternative alignments to divert vehicles, leading to cascading traffic failure across the corridor. Why the Missing Link Is a Structural Solution The 13-km-plus Missing Link project, being implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is designed precisely to address such systemic weaknesses. By bypassing accident-prone curves and congested mountain stretches, the project aims to reduce travel distance by about 6 km and save roughly 20–30 minutes under normal conditions — with even greater gains during peak congestion. The new alignment includes two major tunnels, cable-stayed bridges and modern viaducts engineered to allow smoother traffic flow while minimising landslide risks and bottlenecks. Urban mobility experts note that had the Missing Link been operational, a significant portion of traffic could have been diverted away from the accident site, potentially reducing the scale and duration of the recent gridlock. Current Project Status and Completion Outlook After multiple delays due to engineering challenges, weather conditions and complex terrain, MSRDC has pushed the completion target to early 2026, with tunnelling work largely finished and bridge construction nearing completion. Authorities have repeatedly emphasised that the project is nearing completion, with overall progress crossing the mid-90% mark in recent updates. Rajesh Patil, Joint Managing Director, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said, " We will complete the project by April 2026 end. We have completed 97% of the project and only 3% of the work remains.” Strategic Implications for Mobility and Safety Once operational, the Missing Link is expected to significantly reduce congestion in the ghat section — historically the weakest link in the Mumbai–Pune transport ecosystem. The project will not only improve travel reliability but also enhance road safety by eliminating dangerous hairpin bends and steep inclines that contribute to accidents and frequent traffic standstills. In broader economic terms, smoother intercity mobility is crucial for logistics efficiency, tourism flows and industrial connectivity between Maharashtra’s two largest economic hubs. The traffic nightmare has reinforced a long-standing truth: Maharashtra’s busiest expressway cannot rely on legacy infrastructure alone. The Missing Link project is no longer just a capacity upgrade — it is an operational necessity to ensure resilience against accidents, disasters and surging traffic demand. With completion now targeted for April 2026, its timely commissioning will be critical in restoring commuter confidence, reducing systemic vulnerability and future-proofing one of India’s most strategically important highways.

Unique campaign to spread epilepsy awareness

Mumbai: Jiyo Samman Se Run 2.0, organised by Samman Association, the Mumbai chapter of the Indian Epilepsy Association, stands as a significant public health and social awareness initiative aimed at addressing the persistent stigma surrounding epilepsy. With participation exceeding 1,100 individuals, the event has emerged as India’s largest run dedicated exclusively to epilepsy awareness, reflecting both its growing reach and the increasing public willingness to engage with the cause.


Held at the Bandra Fort seafront, the event’s strategic location and inclusive design contributed to its success. Participants included persons with epilepsy, caregivers, medical professionals, families, volunteers and fitness enthusiasts, symbolising a collective approach to advocacy. The diversity of participants reinforced the event’s central message: epilepsy is not a marginal issue but one that requires broad societal understanding and inclusion. The presence of multiple run categories -- 3 km, 5 km and 10 km -- ensured accessibility across age groups and fitness levels, further strengthening community participation.


The run’s alignment with International Epilepsy Day and the global #50MillionCampaign added international relevance to the initiative. By connecting local action with a global movement led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy, the event amplified its advocacy potential. This linkage underscored the scale of epilepsy as a global health concern, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide, and highlighted the urgent need for awareness, rights and equitable access to care.


Symbolism played a crucial role in the event’s impact. The widespread use of purple, the global colour for epilepsy awareness, transformed the venue into a powerful visual statement. Additionally, the flag-off of the 10 km run by Robin Behl, the fastest Indian to complete the Antarctic Ice Marathon, added credibility and inspiration, bridging athletic excellence with social responsibility. Such high-profile involvement enhanced visibility and media appeal, essential components for sustained advocacy.


Statements from Samman Association’s leadership further contextualised the event’s significance. Dr. Sangeeta Ravat emphasised the unexpectedly high turnout as evidence of an unmet need for epilepsy awareness and equality. This observation suggests that despite medical advances, social barriers and misconceptions remain prevalent. Dr. Jayanti Mani’s remarks highlighted the psychological and social dimensions of the initiative, noting how fitness-based collective activities can foster confidence, positivity, and solidarity among persons with epilepsy while dispelling fear rooted in misinformation.


The success of Jiyo Samman Se Run 2.0 also reflects the long-standing credibility of Samman Association. With roots dating back to 1971 and formal establishment in 1998, the organisation has consistently addressed epilepsy through awareness campaigns, support groups, counselling, professional training, and rural medical camps. Its sustained engagement with underserved communities strengthens the legitimacy and long-term impact of such public events.


The run transcended the boundaries of a conventional sporting event to become a meaningful social movement. By combining community participation, global alignment, symbolic advocacy and institutional credibility, the initiative demonstrated how collective action can challenge stigma and promote dignity. The event serves as a replicable model for health-based advocacy, proving that when communities move together, societal barriers can be left behind.

Comments

bottom of page