Planning a trip to Mahabaleshwar this weekend? Ambenali Ghat Closed for Four Days Amid Heavy Rain, Landslide Risk
Planning a trip to Mahabaleshwar this weekend? Ambenali Ghat Closed for Four Days Amid Heavy Rain, Landslide Risk
Raigad administration has suspended all vehicular movement on the Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar road till July 6 as a precaution against landslides, rockfalls and poor visibility during the ongoing monsoon.
By Vidhi Lalla
Pune: Planning a trip to Mahabaleshwar this weekend? Travellers are being advised to revise their plans as the Raigad district administration has temporarily closed the Poladpur–Mahabaleshwar (Ambenali Ghat), State Highway 139, for all types of vehicular traffic from July 3 to July 6, 2026.
The order was issued by Raigad District Collector and District Magistrate Kishan Jawale following continuous heavy rainfall and warnings of landslides in the ghat section. The decision has been taken as a preventive safety measure to avoid accidents during the peak monsoon period.
The administration said the order was issued after recommendations from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Raigad Police and the local disaster management authorities. Officials noted that the Ambenali Ghat has become highly vulnerable due to persistent rainfall and unstable terrain.
The 40-km-long Ambenali Ghat, which connects the Konkan region with Mahabaleshwar, passes through the ecologically sensitive Sahyadri mountain range. Every monsoon, the route faces risks such as landslides, falling rocks, soil erosion, overflowing streams and dense fog, making travel hazardous.
According to the administration, heavy rainfall has significantly increased the possibility of:
- Landslides and slope failures
- Rockfalls from steep hill faces
- Erosion of road shoulders
- Waterlogging across stretches of the highway
- Dense fog leading to poor visibility
Beyond the temporary four-day closure, authorities said regular monsoon traffic restrictions will continue throughout the rainy season. Heavy vehicles will remain prohibited from using the ghat during night hours, while movement of light vehicles may also be suspended whenever the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues Orange or Red alerts for the region.
To minimise inconvenience, the district administration has announced alternative routes for commuters.
Travellers heading towards Pune or Satara from the Konkan region have been advised to use the Mangaon–Tamhini Ghat–Pune–Satara route.
Those travelling towards Satara or Kolhapur from the Poladpur side should use the Poladpur–Chiplun–Patan–Satara–Kolhapur route instead.
Collector Kishan Jawale has appealed to both tourists and local residents to avoid non-essential travel through the ghat during the closure period and cooperate with authorities to ensure public safety.
Know About Ambenali Ghat
Ambenali Ghat is one of Maharashtra’s most scenic mountain passes, connecting Poladpur in Raigad district with Mahabaleshwar in Satara district. Popular among tourists for its lush greenery and panoramic valley views, the route also ranks among the state’s most landslide-prone roads during the monsoon because of its steep gradients, sharp curves and fragile mountain slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why has Ambenali Ghat been closed?
The ghat has been closed due to heavy rainfall, landslide threats, rockfalls, road erosion and poor visibility.
Q. How long will the closure remain in force?
The complete traffic ban is effective from July 3 to July 6, 2026.
Q. Are all vehicles prohibited?
Yes. During the four-day emergency period, all categories of vehicles are prohibited from using the Ambenali Ghat route.
Q. What alternate routes can travellers use?
Travellers may use the Mangaon–Tamhini Ghat–Pune–Satara route or the Poladpur–Chiplun–Patan–Satara–Kolhapur route, depending on their destination.
Q. Will traffic restrictions continue after July 6?
Yes. Regular monsoon traffic regulations, including restrictions during severe weather alerts and night-time movement of heavy vehicles, will continue as required by the administration.
Disclaimer: Travellers should verify the latest road status with the district administration, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) or local authorities before starting their journey, as weather-related restrictions may change depending on rainfall and safety conditions.
