Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic Halted After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Flooding; Travel Advisory Issued
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic Halted After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Flooding; Travel Advisory Issued
Pune/Mumbai, July 6: Traffic on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway was suspended on Monday after relentless rainfall triggered landslides, flooding and severe waterlogging, disrupting connectivity between the two cities.
Authorities have urged people to avoid all non-essential travel until further notice due to safety concerns. In an advisory, police said traffic in both directions on the Expressway and the old highway would remain suspended until conditions improve.
“Citizens are requested not to undertake any journey between Pune and Mumbai until further directions are issued. Those planning to travel are advised to postpone their journey and follow traffic advisories issued by government agencies,” the advisory stated.
Heavy rainfall has led to flood-like conditions in parts of Maval and Tamhini Ghat, affecting alternate routes as well.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was closed between the Connecting Link and Missing Link sections after a landslide caused a concrete pillar to fall onto the carriageway. Meanwhile, the old Mumbai-Pune Highway was shut after overflowing water submerged several stretches.
A landslide was also reported near Patan village close to Lohgad Fort, where rescue teams were deployed following reports that a family was feared trapped.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said traffic on the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway of the 13-km Missing Link alignment was diverted from around 4 am after a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2. Motorists have been advised to avoid travelling on the route unless absolutely necessary.
The closure left hundreds of commuters stranded. Several travellers reported being stuck in long traffic jams near Lonavala after Mumbai-bound traffic was diverted from the Missing Link onto the old ghat route.
Officials said restoration of traffic will depend on weather conditions, debris clearance operations and improvements in waterlogging across affected stretches. Citizens have been advised to monitor official traffic updates before planning any journey between Mumbai and Pune.
