Shinde Slams MVA for Missing Development Link, Lauds Mahayuti’s High-Speed Vision

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link Project on expressway. The project is set to eliminate chronic traffic congestion in the ghat sections, ensuring a faster and safer commute.

Taking a swipe at the previous administration's 'Work from Home' culture, Dy CM Shinde alleged that the project had been sidelined or even considered for cancellation by the MVA.

"Some said this project was impossible and tried to scrap it. But doing the 'impossible' is exactly what the Mahayuti government stands for," he said. He noted the irony and personal satisfaction of being present for both the groundbreaking (as MSRDC minister) and the inauguration alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Addressing the gathering, Shinde highlighted the historical significance of the Expressway, noting it was the vision of Balasaheb Thackeray and executed by Nitin Gadkari.

However, the bottleneck at the Khandala ghat remained a persistent issue. "Commuters were suffering from constant headaches due to ghat traffic. If the traffic jam was the pain, this Missing Link project is the Tiger Balm- a permanent and effective cure," Shinde remarked.

He said that the project, completed at a cost of approximately Rs 7,000 crore, is expected to yield economic benefits far outweighing the investment. It will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 30 to 40 minutes. It features a viaduct in the Tiger Valley standing 182 metres high - the tallest in India - now recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. The project will increase the fuel efficiency with an estimated saving of over Rs 1 crore in fuel costs daily.

He further stated that there is an advanced tunnel safety system and dedicated water provisions for wildlife to prevent accidents on the road. He emphasised that this project is part of a larger vision to create an Access Control Grid across Maharashtra.

Residents of Satara, Sangli, and Western Maharashtra will see significant improvements in connectivity. Much like the Samruddhi Mahamarg reduced Nagpur-Mumbai travel to 7 hours, this link will streamline the state's most vital economic artery, he stated.

Shinde concluded by thanking the engineers and labourers who braved extreme heights and challenging terrain to complete the project, calling it a "proud gift to the people on Maharashtra Day."

- IANS