MLC Narvekar Calls for Safety-First Opening of Mumbai–Pune Missing Link
MLC Narvekar Calls for Safety-First Opening of Mumbai–Pune Missing Link
Calls for full technical checks before launch, suggests pilot phase with only passenger vehicles and a ban on hazardous transport to prevent future risks.
Mumbai:
Milind Vidya Keshav Narvekar, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the state government to prioritise safety before opening the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link project to traffic.
In his letter, Narvekar praised the government for the fast progress of the major infrastructure project. He noted that once completed, the new route is expected to cut travel time between Mumbai and Pune by around 30 minutes, reduce accidents, and ease congestion in the Bor Ghat stretch. The project is likely to open by April 2026.
However, he warned that the route passes through a technically difficult region with deep valleys, strong winds, heavy rainfall and frequent fog. He stressed that the road should not be opened until all technical checks, safety audits and related works are fully completed. He asked the Chief Minister to direct departments to ensure strict safety compliance.
Narvekar also suggested a phased opening plan to manage traffic better. He proposed that for the first six months, only passenger vehicles should be allowed on the Missing Link, while heavy vehicles should be restricted.
मुंबई-पुणे द्रुतगती मार्गावरील 'मिसिंग लिंक' प्रकल्प पूर्ण झाल्यावर, सुरक्षेच्या कारणास्तव सुरुवातीचे ६ महिने केवळ प्रवासी वाहनेच या मार्गावरून सोडण्यात यावीत. अशी मागणी मी मुख्यमंत्री मा. श्री. देवेंद्र फडणवीस जी (@Dev_Fadnavis), उपमुख्यमंत्री मा. श्री. एकनाथ शिंदे जी… pic.twitter.com/Lctg1a2aYm
— Milind Narvekar (@NarvekarMilind_) February 18, 2026
He further recommended that vehicles carrying fuel, flammable or hazardous materials should never be allowed on the route to avoid any future disasters.
In conclusion, Narvekar urged the government to consider these measures seriously, saying infrastructure growth must always go hand in hand with public safety and long-term risk prevention.
