Actress Dhanshree Kadgaonkar Opens Up About 9-Hour Mumbai-Pune Expressway Ordeal: ‘I Was On My Period But Had No Access To A Washroom’
Actress Dhanshree Kadgaonkar Opens Up About 9-Hour Mumbai-Pune Expressway Ordeal: ‘I Was On My Period But Had No Access To A Washroom’
Mumbai, July 8, 2026: Actress Dhanshree Kadgaonkar has spoken about the harrowing nine hour traffic jam she endured on the Mumbai Pune Expressway after a landslide near the newly inaugurated Missing Link section brought traffic to a standstill.
The severe congestion occurred after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide near the entrance of Tunnel No. 2 on the Missing Link route, disrupting traffic from Pune to Mumbai. The incident left thousands of commuters stranded for several hours as authorities worked to clear nearly 100 tonnes of debris before restoring traffic.
Sharing her experience in an Instagram video, Kadgaonkar recalled how the unexpected delay turned into a physically and emotionally exhausting ordeal.
“I had only watched news reports about massive traffic jams caused by heavy rain, accidents or landslides. But on July 6, I experienced it myself. Being stuck in traffic for nine continuous hours was incredibly draining and frustrating,” she said.
The actress revealed that the situation became even more difficult when she got her menstrual period while she was stranded in the traffic.
“I was on periods during those nine hours, but there wasn’t even a way to access a washroom. We thought of stopping at a food court to eat something, but that wasn’t possible either because the entire area was flooded with knee-deep water. Falling sick wasn’t an option since I have back-to-back shooting schedules,” she shared.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Kadgaonkar said she chose to continue her journey instead of turning back, honouring her work commitment.
“My driver suggested that we return, but as actors, we always try to keep our commitments. Our show’s episode had to be telecast, so I somehow managed to reach the set, even though it took much longer than expected,” she said.
Concluding her video, the actress reflected on the unpredictability of nature and expressed hope that no one would have to endure such an experience.
“Nothing is more powerful than nature. I just pray that no one has to face a situation so severe that it makes life unbearable,” she said.
The landslide near the Missing Link route caused one of the longest traffic disruptions on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway this week, with several commuters sharing similar accounts of being stranded for hours due to the heavy monsoon rains.
