Overview
- MSRDC has revised the opening from January to April 1, 2026, citing engineering complexity and adverse weather.
- Tunnelling is 98.8% complete, one bridge is finished, the second is about 90% done, and overall progress stands near 94% with testing underway.
- The upgrade includes a new 13.3-km eight-lane alignment, two tunnels of 1.68 km and 8.87 km, two bridges of 900 m and 650 m, and a 5.86-km widening to eight lanes.
- Once commissioned, the link is expected to cut travel time by up to 25 minutes and shorten the route by nearly 6 km, easing congestion between Khalapur and Lonavala.
- The ₹6,695.37-crore project is led by MSRDC with Navayuga handling tunnelling and Afcons building the bridges, and a 15-year concession from May 2030 to April 2045 set for cost recovery subject to adjustment.