New rules for Mumbai-Pune Missing Link from Nov 1; goods vehicles barred

New traffic rules will come into force from November 1 for those using the Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The aim is to make travel on this stretch safer. The traffic department has spelt out which vehicles will be allowed on the route and which will not.

An official notification was issued on October 26 by the Additional Director General of Police, Traffic, Maharashtra. According to the notification, drivers will have to follow these rules from November 1. The rules have been framed keeping in view the design of the tunnels, technical aspects and passenger safety.

Private cars, jeeps and other non-commercial light motor vehicles will be allowed on the Missing Link. Passenger buses and other passenger vehicles will also be able to use the route. Drivers will have to follow the traffic department's instructions during the journey.

The route will be closed to goods vehicles. Entry of every kind of goods vehicle on the Missing Link has been stopped, including light goods vehicles such as pickup vans and Tata Ace. Vehicles carrying inflammable material, explosives or other hazardous goods will also not be allowed on the route.

The main reason given for the decision is to reduce the risk of accidents in the tunnels and to maintain passenger safety. Drivers of goods vehicles will therefore have to take an alternative route. They will have to use the old route of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. As the decision has been taken for safety reasons, drivers must plan their journey according to the type of vehicle they drive.

Speed limits have also been fixed on the Missing Link according to the type of vehicle. The limit is 100 km per hour for private cars, jeeps and other light motor vehicles. For passenger buses and other passenger vehicles, the limit is 80 km per hour. These limits must be strictly followed.

Given the design of the tunnels and the technical aspects of the route, drivers have been urged to keep their speed in check, obey traffic rules and follow the instructions of the agencies concerned. It is expected that the new rules will make traffic management on the Missing Link more disciplined. Motorists should check that their vehicle is permitted before taking this route after November 1.