Traffic Update:Â Long Weekend Rush Causes Chaos on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Traffic Update:Â Long Weekend Rush Causes Chaos on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
To avoid the anticipated rush, some opted to start their journey early in the morning, while others are relying on traffic apps before hitting the road; a few have decided to just stay home.
August 15, 2024
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a critical artery connecting two of Maharashtra’s largest cities, witnessed heavy traffic jams this morning, August 15, as thousands of travelers headed out to enjoy the long weekend.
To avoid the anticipated rush, some opted to start their journey early in the morning, while others are relying on traffic apps before hitting the road; a few have decided to just stay home.
However, the rush began early in the morning, with vehicles forming long queues at toll booths and bottlenecks along the 94.5 km stretch of the expressway.
#mumbaipuneexpressway jammed right after Lonavala going towards Mumbai!! Been here for 10 mins and no movement yet.. pic.twitter.com/dDj4BHqn6z
— Hiten Paintal (@HitenPaintal) August 15, 2024
Reports indicate that the traffic, which typically flows smoothly, started to slow down around 6 am, gradually worsening as more vehicles joined the road. By noon, the expressway was crawling with vehicles, with delays of up to two hours reported at key points such as Lonavala and Khalapur.
Travelers, many of whom were heading to popular weekend destinations like Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar, expressed frustration at the slow pace. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had issued advisories urging motorists to plan their journeys in advance and avoid peak hours, but the surge in traffic overwhelmed the expressway. Traffic police were deployed in large numbers to manage the situation, but the sheer volume of vehicles made it challenging to keep the flow smooth.
To manage heavy traffic in Lonavla, authorities have enforced a ban on heavy vehicles entering the city. Additionally, across other highways leading out of Pune, the police will have a strong presence at every predictable bottleneck, focusing on preventing drunk driving, speeding, and parking violations.
Authorities have urged travelers to exercise patience and caution, particularly with the possibility of heavy rainfall in the region, which could further impact driving conditions. They have also recommended that travelers take alternative routes, such as the old Mumbai-Pune highway and the newly-opened Atal Setu, to ease the congestion.
The traffic is expected to remain heavy throughout the weekend, with a potential repeat of the rush as travelers return on Sunday evening. Motorists are advised to keep updated with real-time traffic information and plan their journeys accordingly.
Despite the inconvenience, the long weekend has brought a boost to the tourism sector, with hotels and resorts in the region reporting high occupancy rates. Local businesses along the route are also benefiting from the increased footfall, though many have expressed concerns about the impact of the traffic on their supply chains.
As the long weekend progresses, travelers are reminded to stay safe, drive carefully, and remain patient amid the unavoidable delays.
