New traffic rules for Mumbai-Pune Missing Link: all goods vehicles barred from November 1

A major decision has been taken on the much-discussed Missing Link project to make travel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway safer, easier and faster. New traffic rules have been announced for vehicles using the new route so that commuters face no trouble on it.

The official notification was issued on October 26 by the Additional Director General of Police, Traffic, Maharashtra. The rules will come into effect from November 1, and from that day will apply to vehicles using the Missing Link. Traffic police took the decision keeping in mind the technical aspects of the tunnels and the safety of commuters.

According to the new notification issued by the traffic department, speed limits have been fixed for vehicles on the Missing Link. The limit is 100 km per hour for cars and light private vehicles. For passenger buses, the speed has been set at 80 km per hour.

Goods vehicles have been hit the hardest. Keeping in mind the safety of the project, entry of all goods vehicles, big and small, on the Missing Link has been closed permanently. Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) such as pickup vans and Tata Ace had earlier been allowed on this route, but they are now barred as well.

Vehicles carrying inflammable, explosive and hazardous materials will also be prohibited on the route.

With entry of all goods vehicles on the Missing Link closed, these vehicles will now have to use the old, original lane of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The decision was taken to prevent accidents in the tunnel and for safety.

Traffic police have appealed to drivers to follow the rules fully and cooperate with the administration.