Hyderabad: Traffic on both the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and the old Pune-Mumbai Highway was suspended on Monday following heavy rainfall, flooding, and a landslide, prompting authorities to urge commuters to avoid travel between the two cities until further notice.
Police issued a public advisory asking citizens to postpone non-essential journeys, citing safety concerns due to flood-like conditions and road damage.
According to officials, traffic in both directions on the expressway and the old highway has been stopped until the situation improves.
Flooding and Landslide Disrupt Connectivity
Authorities said flood-like conditions developed in parts of Maval and Tamhini Ghat, affecting alternate routes connecting Pune and Mumbai.
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway was closed between the Connecting Link and Missing Link sections after a concrete pillar reportedly fell onto the carriageway. Meanwhile, the old Pune-Mumbai Highway was shut after water overflowed at multiple locations.
A landslide was also reported at Patan village near Lohgad Fort, where a family was believed to be trapped. Rescue teams were deployed to the site and operations were underway.
Schools Closed, Traffic Diverted
In view of the heavy rainfall, the Pune district administration declared a holiday for all schools.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said traffic on the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Khopoli-Kusgaon Missing Link was diverted from 4 a.m. as a precaution after a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2.
The 13-km Missing Link, opened just two months ago, was built to shorten the Pune-Mumbai journey by approximately six kilometres and reduce travel time by 25 to 30 minutes.
MSRDC said it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Highway Traffic Police and advised motorists to avoid using the route unless absolutely necessary.
Commuters reported being stranded for several hours near Lonavala after traffic from the Missing Link was diverted, resulting in severe congestion through the hill town.
Officials said the Khandala Ghat section of the expressway has also been affected by waterlogging and landslide-related disruptions, and restoration work is continuing.
