Goods vehicles barred from Missing Link from Nov 1; 100 kmph cap set for cars

Fixed rules on the type and speed of vehicles are set to come into force on the Missing Link of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Maharashtra Traffic Police have imposed permanent restrictions on the new stretch, effective November 1.

From November 1, all goods vehicles, including light commercial vehicles such as pickup vans and Tata Ace, will not be allowed on the Missing Link. Vehicles carrying hazardous goods, including inflammable, explosive or other dangerous substances, will also be barred from the route. The restriction has been imposed in line with tunnel safety norms.

The notification was issued on October 26 by Praveen Salunke, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Maharashtra. Under it, the Missing Link will be open only to non-transport light motor vehicles (LMVs) and passenger vehicles, including passenger buses. The restrictions have been brought in mainly for safety inside the tunnels on the route and will remain in force until further orders. The notification was issued under Section 112(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, after stakeholders were consulted and technical and road safety requirements were examined.

On speed, the maximum limit for cars and other eligible light motor vehicles has been set at 100 kmph. Passenger buses and other permitted passenger vehicles must not exceed 80 kmph.

The notification also allows a five per cent margin around the maximum speeds it sets. The margin will be counted when action is taken for violations under Section 183 of the Motor Vehicles Act. It does not change the declared speed limits.

Motorists using the Missing Link must follow the prescribed limits and traffic signs, especially inside the tunnels, where keeping speed in check is vital for safe movement. All goods vehicles, including light goods vehicles such as pickup vans and Tata Ace, will have to use the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway route instead of the Missing Link.

The notification directs the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to put up speed limit boards at suitable locations so that motorists know the limit in force. The Missing Link project was built to provide a connecting route on the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The notification says permanent traffic rules are necessary in view of technical aspects and to maintain safety inside the tunnels.

The rules have been sent to police commissioners, highway safety patrol units, transport officials, district administrations and other departments concerned for enforcement and publicity. The new restrictions will take effect from November 1, 2026, and continue until further orders.