Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link: New Traffic Rules From November 1
Goods vehicles permanently barred; cars capped at 100 kmph and buses at 80 kmph
PUNE: New traffic regulations will come into effect on the Missing Link section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway from November 1, 2026, with the Maharashtra Traffic Police imposing vehicle-specific restrictions and speed limits to improve road safety, particularly inside the route’s tunnels. The restrictions will remain in force until further orders.
According to a notification issued by Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Maharashtra, Praveen Salunkhe, on October 26, all goods-carrying vehicles will be permanently prohibited from using the connecting link, popularly known as the Missing Link.
The ban includes light commercial vehicles such as pickup vans and Tata Ace vehicles. Vehicles transporting flammable, explosive or other hazardous materials will also be prohibited from using the route.
Cars and buses allowed with speed limits
Under the new regulations, private cars, jeeps and other non-transport light motor vehicles will be permitted to use the Missing Link at a maximum speed of 100 kmph. Passenger buses and other permitted passenger vehicles will have a maximum speed limit of 80 kmph.
The restrictions have been introduced considering public safety, technical aspects of the road infrastructure and the requirements of safe vehicle movement through the tunnels.
Goods vehicles must use the existing route
All prohibited goods vehicles, including small commercial vehicles, will have to continue using the original Mumbai-Pune Expressway alignment instead of the Missing Link. The revised rules clarify the vehicle categories permitted on the new stretch.
The Missing Link was developed to bypass the winding Khandala ghat section and improve connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. However, authorities have emphasised that its tunnel infrastructure and technical features require strict adherence to vehicle restrictions and speed limits.
Motorists have been advised to check whether their vehicles are permitted on the route before beginning their journey, follow the prescribed speed limits and exercise caution while travelling through tunnels.
The new regulations will take effect on November 1 and remain applicable until further orders, according to the notification.
