Despite an official ban prohibiting heavy commercial vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link, trucks and trailers continue to access the stretch. The ongoing violations have exposed significant enforcement gaps and renewed road safety concerns, particularly following a recent accident along the corridor.
Under the current traffic guidelines issued by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and highway authorities, the Missing Link is strictly reserved for light motor vehicles—such as cars and SUVs—along with passenger buses and minibuses. Heavy freight carriers, which represent approximately 30% of total expressway traffic, are entirely barred from entering the route. The restriction was designed to streamline traffic flow through the steep ghat section and minimize risks posed by slower-moving cargo vehicles.
Although signage has been installed at the corridor’s entrance and personnel are assigned to monitor entry points, local observers note that enforcement remains inconsistent. Unauthorized heavy vehicles routinely bypass restrictions, especially during night hours when monitoring presence is minimal.
The persistent presence of prohibited vehicles increases collision risks, causes traffic slowdowns, and impedes the flow of lighter passenger vehicles. Consequently, motorists and road safety advocates are urging authorities to replace passive warnings with round-the-clock monitoring, stricter checkpoint inspections, and heavier penalties for drivers who violate the restriction.
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