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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Missing Link Set to Redefine Mumbai 3.0

Mumbai: The long-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is emerging as a pivotal infrastructure intervention that could significantly reshape the real estate dynamics of the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). By bypassing the challenging ghat section and reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune by an estimated 20–25 minutes, the project is expected to unlock new development corridors and accelerate the evolution of what industry stakeholders are calling “Mumbai...

Missing Link Set to Redefine Mumbai 3.0

Mumbai: The long-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is emerging as a pivotal infrastructure intervention that could significantly reshape the real estate dynamics of the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). By bypassing the challenging ghat section and reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune by an estimated 20–25 minutes, the project is expected to unlock new development corridors and accelerate the evolution of what industry stakeholders are calling “Mumbai 3.0.” This emerging geography, comprising peripheral growth zones beyond established nodes such as Navi Mumbai and Panvel, is increasingly drawing attention from both developers and homebuyers. Locations like Karjat, Neral, Khopoli and Lonavala are witnessing renewed interest, driven by improved connectivity, relatively affordable land parcels and a growing preference for low-density, lifestyle-oriented living. By easing congestion on one of the country’s busiest expressways and improving accessibility to hinterland locations, the project is creating conditions conducive to new micro-market formation. Analysts note that such infrastructure-led expansion is critical at a time when Mumbai’s core real estate markets are approaching saturation. In particular, Karjat and surrounding areas are seeing increased traction in plotted developments, villa communities and wellness-focused second homes. These formats cater to evolving buyer preferences shaped by hybrid work models and a heightened focus on quality of life. Improved last-mile connectivity and civic infrastructure are further strengthening the case for these locations as both weekend retreats and long-term residential options. Unnati Varma, Director, ORA Land (ORA Group), said, “The Missing Link project is a landmark development that will redefine accessibility to emerging destinations like Karjat and surroundings. As travel time reduces and connectivity improves, we anticipate a significant uptick in demand for plotted developments and lifestyle-driven housing. Today’s homebuyers are seeking a balance between connectivity and quality of life, and locations like Karjat offer exactly that. This infrastructure boost will further position these regions as viable extensions of Mumbai’s residential landscape.” The broader narrative of Mumbai 3.0 is also being shaped by other large-scale infrastructure initiatives, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Together with the Missing Link, these projects are expected to redistribute real estate demand more evenly across the metropolitan region, reducing pressure on traditional urban centres while fostering the rise of new growth clusters. From an industry standpoint, the project’s impact extends beyond residential demand. Kamlesh Thakur, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said, “The Missing Link is a transformational infrastructure milestone that will redefine connectivity between Mumbai and Pune while opening new high-potential growth corridors across the region. By significantly reducing travel time and improving mobility, this project is expected to accelerate demand for emerging destinations within the Mumbai 3.0 growth belt.” Market observers believe that relatively lower entry prices, coupled with rising lifestyle aspirations, will continue to drive demand in these emerging corridors. As infrastructure projects near completion, the Missing Link stands out as a critical catalyst—not just bridging distances, but enabling a more distributed, sustainable model of urban expansion for the MMR. Missing Link opens with phased traffic rules The Missing Link project on the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a landmark infrastructure initiative by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), significantly cuts travel time between Mumbai and Pune, eases congestion on the existing route and boosts regional connectivity for millions of daily commuters and the economy. Maharashtra's Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Praveen Salunke, has issued a notification regulating traffic on this crucial 13-km stretch, set to open for public use from May 1, 2026. The rules prioritize tunnel safety after stakeholder consultations, ensuring a secure rollout for this game-changing highway upgrade. Phased Rollout In Phase I, from May 1 to October 31, 2026, only Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and passenger buses will be permitted, while goods-carrying vehicles remain prohibited. Phase II, starting November 1, 2026, will continue allowing LMVs and passenger buses, with a review after six months to assess permitting goods vehicles. The notification invokes Section 112 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and related government orders for enforcement. Safety Measures Vehicles carrying hazardous materials (Hazmat), inflammables or explosives are permanently banned from the Missing Link tunnels and must use the existing expressway, per Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) guidelines. Speed limits are capped at 100 kmph for cars (LMVs) and 80 kmph for passenger buses, with a tolerance for minor exceedances under Section 183. Authorities including MSRDC and police have been directed to install signage and publicize the rules via newspapers, TV and social media. As the missing link opens to traffic, authorities are hopeful that it will not only enhance commuter experience but also boost economic activity between Mumbai and Pune. With improved travel efficiency and unchanged toll rates, the project is poised to deliver both convenience and value to the public. The coming weeks will reveal the full impact of this long-anticipated upgrade, but for now, commuters can look forward to a faster and safer journey, without paying extra for it.

‘When I won, my mother was working as a labourer’

Ganga Kadam, player of India’s Blind Women’s World Cup team, proves courage overcomes physical barriers


Mumbai: Six months ago, Ganga Kadam had almost given up her dreams of playing for India in the Blind Women’s World Cup. Traumatised by her father’s death in May, Ganga decided to quit cricket and help her mother earn a living for the family.


Thanks to her coach, who persuaded her to continue playing cricket, Ganga abandoned her plans and resolved to fulfil her father’s wish of seeing his daughter playing in Indian colours for the World Cup. She was the only player from Maharashtra selected for the final 17-member Indian World Cup squad.


Today, 26-year-old Ganga is basking in the glory of being a part of the Indian team that created history by winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. As vice-captain, she played a crucial role in team India’s success with some stand-out all-round performances.


India demonstrated their dominance by winning all the matches before going on to win the title. India won their opening game against Sri Lanka, followed by a 57-run win over Australia. The Women in Blue later defeated arch-rivals Pakistan, chasing down the 136-run target in 10.2 overs. They continued the winning spree by thrashing Australia by nine wickets in the semi-final. In the final held at Colombo’s P Sara Oval on November 23, Indian team defeated Nepal by seven wickets.


Ganga was the cornerstone of several memorable wins in the World Cup. In the opening match against Sri Lanka, she was named Player of the Match for a standout performance that included five run-outs and one wicket. In the semi-final against Australia, she scored a crucial 41 runs, contributing significantly to India’s nine-wicket win. “The World Cup win has given me a new identity and a sense of responsibility,” she told ‘The Perfect Voice’.


Humble Beginnings

Born in a humble farmer’s family in Solapur and visually impaired since childhood, it has been a long journey for Ganga. The physical barriers failed to limit her ambitions. After completing her primary education in Futana village in Kalamnuri taluka of Hingoli district, she went to Solapur for further studies and it was there that her cricketing journey began. Ganga was inspired to play cricket after watching other children at her school, the Bairu Ratan Damani School for the Blind, playing the sport. Under the guidance of coach Raju Shelke, she honed her cricket skills and emerged as a shining name in disabled cricket.


The World Cup win has suddenly catapulted Ganga to a never-seen-before stardom. Following the triumph, she, along with the Indian team, was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Ganga was also honoured by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, her most memorable moment came in a meeting with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who lauded her major contribution to the World Cup semi-final win over Australia, leaving her ‘stunned.’


However, despite all the accolades, it is the concern for livelihood that has left Ganga worried over the future. After father’s demise, the burden of the family has fallen on her shoulders and, in the absence of a good job, it has been a difficult task for her.


Ganga said, “When I won the player of the match award in the first match against Sri Lanka in the World Cup, I was overjoyed and called up my mother to ask whether she watched me playing. But to my great disappointment I found out that she could not as she was away working as a labourer in other’s farms. I want to change this situation by providing my family a decent living.”


According to Ganga, players from other states in the Indian team have received financial rewards and job assurances from their respective state governments; however, no such acknowledgement has yet been received from the Maharashtra government. “During a meeting with him, CM Devendra Fadnavis has assured me to provide financial assistance and suitable job opportunities,” she said.

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