Overview
- The Maharashtra Traffic Police issued a notification on October 26 that will take effect on November 1, 2026 and formally bars all goods-carrying vehicles, including pickup vans and Tata Ace models, from using the 13.3 km Missing Link.
- The order limits use of the Missing Link to light motor vehicles and passenger buses, and it explicitly prohibits vehicles carrying flammable, explosive or other hazardous materials in line with tunnel safety norms and MoRTH guidance.
- The notification sets maximum speeds of 100 km/h for cars and other light motor vehicles and 80 km/h for passenger buses while allowing a 5% tolerance when assessing violations under the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Authorities said safety concerns and several collisions involving restricted goods vehicles during the corridor’s trial operation prompted stricter enforcement, with police warning of penal action against drivers who violate the ban.
- The Missing Link bypasses the Khandala ghat, shortens the expressway by about 6 km and cuts travel time by 20–30 minutes for passenger traffic, but the ban will send freight back onto the original expressway and alter routing and logistics for truck operators.