Goods vehicles to be permanently barred from Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link from Nov 1

All vehicles carrying goods will be permanently banned from the Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway from November 1. The ban is part of the new traffic rules introduced by the Maharashtra Highway Police. These vehicles will no longer be able to use the Missing Link.

A six-month trial period had initially been kept on this route, and the ban will come into force once it is completed. The ban is not limited to one type of vehicle. All goods-carrying vehicles, including pickup vans and small commercial vehicles, are covered.

The reasons for the decision have also been given. It takes into account tunnel safety, some technical matters and the need to avoid congestion and accidents. Safety and traffic planning are both behind the move.

The Missing Link is a 13.3-km stretch connecting Khopoli and Kusgaon. It was opened to traffic on May 1, 2026, so that the Khandala Ghat section could be bypassed and the travel time between Mumbai and Pune reduced.

Rules for other vehicles have also been fixed. Private cars, jeeps and other light motor vehicles with permits will be allowed a maximum speed of 100 km per hour on this route. For passenger buses and other permit-holding passenger vehicles, the speed limit will be 80 km per hour.

Vehicles carrying flammable substances, explosives and other hazardous goods will also be barred from the Missing Link. Vehicles transporting such goods will likewise not be allowed on this route.

Goods vehicles and the other barred vehicles will have to continue using the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway route, as before. The new rules will come into effect on November 1 and will remain in force until further orders.