The 13.3-km Missing Link stretch connects Khopoli to Kusgaon near Lonavala and is designed to bypass the accident-prone Bhor Ghat, also known as the Khandala Ghat section. The existing route covers nearly 19 km, while the new alignment shortens the distance by around 6 km

The Maharashtra government has temporarily put on hold action against auto and taxi drivers failing the mandatory Marathi language requirement following requests and protests. While inspections for permits, licences, and language skills will begin from May 1, no penalties will be imposed solely for not knowing Marathi