Lonavala Bypass Road is a common travel and bus-boarding reference on the Mumbai-Pune highway corridor around Lonavala. It usually points to the Valvan-Hotel Centre Point-expressway exit area rather than one formally named city street. Bus operators use labels such as Lonavala Bypass, Centre Point Highway and bridge end towards Pune or Mumbai.
In 2026, the 13.3 km Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link between Khopoli exit and Kusgaon opened on May 1. It lets through traffic bypass much of the older Lonavala-Khandala ghat section. Local traffic still uses the existing exits and old Mumbai-Pune highway, so the bus-stop reference and the Missing Link are not the same thing.
Quick About Lonavala Bypass Road
| Particular | Details |
| Location | Lonavala, Pune district, Maharashtra |
| Common Bypass Reference | Centre Point / Valvan / expressway-exit side |
| Major Highways | Mumbai-Pune Expressway and NH-48/old Mumbai-Pune Highway |
| New Through Bypass | Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link |
| Missing Link Length | 13.3 km |
| Missing Link Route | Khopoli exit to Kusgaon |
| Opened | May 1, 2026 |
| Common Bus Landmarks | Hotel Centre Point, flyover/bridge end and Lonavala expressway exit |
| Nearby Areas | Valvan, Kusgaon, Khandala, Tungarli, Malavli and Karla side |
| Nearest Railway Station | Lonavala Railway Station |
| Nearest Major Airports | Pune International Airport and Mumbai CSMIA |
| Toll System | Mumbai-Pune Expressway toll applies; no separate Missing Link toll booth |
| District / State | Pune, Maharashtra |
Where Is Lonavala Bypass Road Located?
The term Lonavala Bypass is most often used near Valvan and the old Mumbai-Pune highway/expressway approach. Hotel Centre Point is a common public-transport landmark, along with the flyover end and expressway exit.
For navigation, the exact ticket landmark is more useful than searching only for ‘Lonavala Bypass’.
Connectivity of Lonavala Bypass Road
Lonavala lies on the busy Mumbai-Pune corridor. NH-48 provides local access through Khandala, Lonavala, Kusgaon and Talegaon, while the access-controlled expressway carries most through traffic.
The expressway-exit area therefore links local Lonavala roads with the main Mumbai-Pune highway system.
Mumbai and Khandala Connectivity
For Mumbai-bound travel, the corridor runs through Khandala, Khopoli, Khalapur, Panvel and Navi Mumbai. Local traffic can use the old highway or the appropriate expressway connection.
Through expressway traffic can use the Missing Link, but travellers heading to Khandala or Lonavala must take the designated local exits.
Pune and Talegaon Connectivity
Towards Pune, the corridor continues through Kusgaon, Kamshet, Talegaon and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Weekend tourist and intercity traffic can be heavy.
For Talegaon, Kamshet or local settlements, NH-48 and connecting roads are often more practical than staying on the expressway.
Kusgaon and the New Missing Link
Kusgaon is the eastern end of the 13.3 km Missing Link, which begins near Khopoli exit and crosses the Sahyadri terrain through tunnels and viaducts.
The route opened on May 1, 2026. Maharashtra’s Public Works Department places the project cost at about Rs 6,695 crore and notes two major tunnels and high viaduct structures.
Missing Link Status After the July 2026 Landslide
Heavy rain caused a landslide near Tunnel 2 on July 6, 2026, temporarily closing the Mumbai-bound carriageway and diverting traffic through the older Lonavala route.
The carriageway reopened after about 18 hours following debris clearance and safety checks. The Missing Link is operational in September 2026, but monsoon advisories remain important.
Karla, Malavli and Ekvira Side
Lonavala provides road access towards Karla, Malavli and Ekvira Devi temple through local roads connected with the old Mumbai-Pune highway.
Visitors should leave the expressway at the correct local exit.
Khandala and Local Lonavala Connectivity
Khandala lies west of Lonavala on the old highway. Town roads also lead towards Tungarli, Bhushi Dam and Tiger Point.
The Missing Link reduces through traffic pressure but does not remove weekend or monsoon congestion inside Lonavala.
Railway Connectivity
Lonavala Railway Station is the main station. Pune district administration confirms that several trains stop here and Pune-Lonavala local services operate.
The station is separate from the Centre Point boarding belt, so allow time for an auto or cab transfer.
Airport Connectivity
Maharashtra Tourism lists Pune International Airport at about 65 km and Mumbai CSMIA at about 90 km from Lonavala.
Airport travel time depends heavily on expressway and city traffic, so flight passengers should keep a buffer.
Bus and Local Transport
Private buses use labels including Lonavala Bypass, Centre Point Hotel, bridge end and Lonavala exit. These may refer to different sides of the same highway belt.
Passengers should confirm the Mumbai- or Pune-bound side. Autos and cabs connect the pickup area with the station and town.
Nearby Areas Around Lonavala Bypass
Valvan and Kusgaon are key Pune-side references, while Khandala lies towards Mumbai. Tungarli and central Lonavala are reached through local roads.
Karla and Malavli lie farther east, with access to Karla Caves and the Ekvira temple area.
Shops and Daily Facilities
The Centre Point and old highway area has hotels, restaurants, fuel stations and vehicle services. Central Lonavala offers a wider range of daily facilities.
Late-night bus passengers should wait only at the operator’s recognised landmark.
Traffic and Monsoon Conditions
Weekend, holiday and monsoon congestion is common at expressway exits, in the market area and on roads towards Bhushi Dam and Khandala.
Heavy rain, fog and occasional landslides can affect the ghat. Drivers should check current advisories during severe weather.
Toll Information
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is tolled. Maharashtra’s notification identifies Khalapur and Talegaon as main toll plazas and includes Kusgaon among the ramp plazas.
The Missing Link has no separate standalone toll; it forms part of the wider expressway toll system.
FAQs About Lonavala Bypass Road
Q1. My bus ticket says ‘Lonavala Bypass’. Should I go to Centre Point Hotel?
Centre Point is one of the most common Lonavala bypass boarding landmarks, but confirm the exact operator pin. Some tickets specify the flyover start, bridge end, expressway exit or a different side of the highway.
Q2. Which side should I wait on for a bus to Pune or Mumbai?
Use the side matching the bus direction and the operator’s pickup pin. Pune-bound and Mumbai-bound stops can be on opposite sides around the Centre Point/flyover area, so do not cross the highway at the last moment.
Q3. Is Lonavala Bypass the same as the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link?
No. ‘Lonavala Bypass’ is commonly used for highway-side boarding and local bypass references near Lonavala. The Missing Link is the separate 13.3 km expressway route from Khopoli to Kusgaon that bypasses much of the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section.
Q4. Is the Missing Link open now?
Yes. It opened on May 1, 2026. A July 2026 landslide caused an 18-hour disruption on one carriageway, but traffic was restored after safety checks.
Q5. Is there a separate toll for the Missing Link?
No separate standalone Missing Link toll is charged simply for entering that new section. It operates within the existing Mumbai-Pune Expressway toll system.
Q6. Can I use the Missing Link if my destination is Lonavala town?
Through traffic can use it to bypass Lonavala, but travellers visiting Lonavala must take the correct local expressway exit or use the old Mumbai-Pune highway. Staying on the bypass will take you past much of the town.
Q7. Which railway station should I use for Lonavala Bypass?
Lonavala Railway Station is the main station. From there, take an auto or cab to the exact highway boarding point because the station and Centre Point bypass area are not the same location.
Q8. What should I check before travelling during heavy monsoon rain?
Check expressway traffic advisories, landslide alerts and local congestion before departure. Heavy rain and fog can affect the ghat, expressway exits and roads around Lonavala even when the main Missing Link remains open.
