The diversion of approximately 70% of light motor vehicles (LMVs) to the newly opened connecting link of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has successfully eliminated traffic congestion on the Borghat section over the past ten days, according to officials.
Traffic Flow Improvement
During this period, only 30% of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) utilized the ghat section, resulting in no clogging and no reported mishaps. The recently inaugurated connecting link strictly prohibits HMV movement.
Project Details
The 19.84-kilometer Khopoli-to-Kusgaon stretch, also known as the missing link, was commissioned on May 1 this year. This Rs 6,700 crore project features no elevations or slopes, reducing the distance between Mumbai and Pune by 6 kilometers and cutting travel time by approximately 30 minutes.
The stretch includes eight lanes over 5.86 kilometers instead of the standard six lanes. The Borghat section's elevation on the Pune-bound carriageway was notorious for speed reduction and congestion, while the slope on the Mumbai-bound carriageway was considered hazardous, with numerous accidents due to driver loss of control. HMVs posed a particular challenge on both carriageways, and the new link serves as an effective solution.
Construction and Impact
Construction of the link spanned seven years, beginning in 2019 under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The expressway carries approximately 1.5 lakh vehicles daily, with frequent traffic jams at Lonavala and Khandala. The link now bypasses these critical bottlenecks.
Swapnil Patil, assistant police inspector of the highway safety patrol's Borghat unit, stated, "There has been a 70% shift of vehicles to the newly opened link from the earlier Borghat section. Only HMVs use the old stretch, accounting for the remaining 30%. Traffic jams on this expressway section will be minimal."
In the last ten days, no major accidents were reported on either the link or the ghat section. Officials noted that HMVs now have more space to maneuver on the original stretch, while LMVs, primarily cars, benefit from a smooth surface on the link, reducing engine overheating. Highway safety patrol personnel have also experienced relief from being heavily engaged in rescue operations.
