A major disruption hit the Mumbai-Pune Expressway early Monday morning after a landslide occurred near the newly opened Missing Link section close to the exit of Tunnel 2. The incident, triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall, forced authorities to divert traffic and issue travel advisories for commuters traveling between Mumbai and Pune.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) implemented the diversion from 4 a.m. as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of motorists using the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway : Missing Link Section Closed Following Heavy Rainfall
Officials confirmed that the landslide occurred near the Khandala Exit on the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Following the incident, the Mumbai-bound lane was completely closed to prevent any accidents or further risks to commuters.
Continuous rainfall led to unstable terrain and waterlogging in several areas, prompting authorities to monitor the situation closely in coordination with the Highway Traffic Police.
Traffic Diversion Leads to Massive Congestion
The closure of a key stretch of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway forced vehicles to take alternate routes through Lonavala. As a result, long traffic jams were reported across the town and surrounding areas.
Several travelers reported being stranded for hours after traffic was diverted. A commuter traveling from Sangli to Mumbai said he had been stuck near Lonavala since around 4 a.m. due to bumper-to-bumper traffic caused by the sudden rerouting of vehicles.
Missing Link Project Faces Early Setback
The Missing Link project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, inaugurated approximately two months ago, was developed to reduce congestion on the Khandala Ghat section and improve travel efficiency between the two cities.
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The 13-kilometre bypass through the Sahyadri hills shortens the journey by nearly 6 kilometres and saves an estimated 25 to 30 minutes of travel time. However, the recent landslide has temporarily disrupted operations on the newly developed route.
Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage before deciding when the affected section can be safely reopened.
Rail Services Also Impacted by Monsoon Fury
The severe weather conditions affected more than just the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Heavy rainfall and flooding also disrupted railway operations between Mumbai and Pune.
Railway authorities reported that at least 16 trains were cancelled, while nine others were diverted due to safety concerns arising from waterlogging and landslide threats. The disruption left thousands of passengers facing delays and travel uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for Pune and an Orange Alert for Mumbai, warning residents about continued heavy rainfall.
Authorities Urge People to Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Police and disaster management officials have advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel between Mumbai and Pune until weather conditions improve. Emergency teams remain deployed at the affected Mumbai-Pune Expressway stretch to clear debris and restore normal traffic movement.
Motorists are being encouraged to check real-time traffic updates and weather advisories before planning their journeys. As monsoon rains continue to lash Maharashtra, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further disruptions and ensure public safety.