Goods vehicles will continue to be barred from the Missing Link on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway even after the new traffic rules come into effect on November 1.
The Maharashtra Highway Police has issued a fresh notification extending the ban on goods transport vehicles, including pickup vans and Tata Ace vehicles. The decision has been taken citing road design, technical requirements and passenger safety.
The restrictions will remain in force from November 1 until further orders. The decision means goods vehicles will not be allowed on the 13.3-km Connecting Link, even after the completion of its initial six-month operational period.The ban has been in place since May 1, 2026. Although it was earlier indicated that the restrictions could be reviewed after six months, the latest notification confirms that the ban will continue.Private cars, jeeps and other non-transport light motor vehicles will be permitted to use the route.
Passenger buses and other passenger vehicles will also be allowed.The notification was issued by Maharashtra Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) Pravin Salunke. The Highway Police has advised motorists to check the rules applicable to their vehicles before entering the corridor.
Speed Limits Set for Cars and Buses
The notification sets a maximum speed limit of 100 kmph for private cars and other light motor vehicles. Passenger buses and other passenger vehicles must travel at a maximum speed of 80 kmph.Drivers have been instructed to follow the prescribed speed limits and exercise extra caution while travelling through the tunnels. Vehicles carrying flammable, explosive or hazardous materials are also prohibited from using the Missing Link.Vehicles that are not permitted on the new corridor must continue to use the original Mumbai-Pune Expressway route.
Ban Continues After Accidents Involving Goods Vehicles
The decision to continue the restrictions comes amid safety concerns over goods vehicles entering the corridor. In October, the Highway Safety Patrol warned that cases would be registered against truck and container drivers found violating the ban.The warning followed an accident on October 6, when a truck collided with a private luxury bus, leaving five passengers seriously injured, according to reports.
In another incident in August, a Toyota Fortuner collided with a goods tempo carrying vegetables inside the Connecting Link. The accident claimed the life of Tushar Bhumkar, a youth leader and entrepreneur from Wakad, while six others were injured.Police investigated whether the goods tempo had entered the restricted route in violation of the existing rules.
Missing Link Bypasses Khandala Ghat
The 13.3-km Missing Link, connecting Khopoli and Kusgaon, was inaugurated on May 1, 2026. The new corridor bypasses the winding Khandala ghat section, reduces the expressway route by around 6 km and is expected to cut travel time by 20 to 30 minutes.
The project features long tunnels and a high bridge designed to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Pune while reducing congestion on the existing expressway.
Motorists have been urged to follow the revised traffic rules and comply with instructions issued by the Highway Police to ensure safer travel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.