06 July,2026 02:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Heavy rainfall in Maharashtra's Raigad district caused severe waterlogging on the Mumbai-Goa highway, disrupting traffic movement and leaving thousands of commuters stranded, officials said on Monday.
The disruption was reported after floodwater accumulated on the highway at Sukeli Ghat near Nagothane, where water levels reached nearly three feet on Sunday. The flooding made it difficult for vehicles to pass through the stretch, forcing authorities to temporarily stop traffic movement.
The heavy downpour resulted in long queues of vehicles, with traffic congestion extending around 8 to 10 km on both sides of the highway.
Officials said vehicle movement resumed on Monday, but traffic remained slow due to continuous rainfall and difficult road conditions on the Nagothane-Wakan stretch.
According to officials, persistent rainfall since Saturday night led to a flood-like situation in parts of Raigad district, affecting several routes.
Police said traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway had to be suspended for a few hours on Sunday due to water accumulation near Sukeli village.
Thousands of passengers were stuck during the disruption, and concerns increased among commuters after nightfall as they waited for authorities to clear the route and restore traffic movement.
Emergency teams monitored the situation and worked to regulate vehicle movement once water levels started receding.
The impact of heavy rainfall was not limited to the Mumbai-Goa highway. Officials said the Wakan-Pali road was also closed due to flooding.
Authorities diverted vehicles heading towards Pune through Mangaon and Nizampur via the Tamhini Ghat route. Vehicles were then directed towards Mumbai through alternative routes.
The disruption caused inconvenience to motorists and passengers, especially those travelling long distances during the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Raigad district for the next two days, warning of continued heavy rainfall.
Authorities have advised residents and travellers to remain cautious and check road conditions before beginning their journeys.
The weather department has warned that intense rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying areas and impact transport services.
Several motorists also reported waterlogging at other locations along the Mumbai-Goa highway, including stretches near Mangaon and Karnala Ghat.
Commuters claimed that poor drainage systems and ongoing construction work on parts of the highway have contributed to repeated flooding during heavy rainfall.
Authorities said the situation is being monitored as rainfall continues across the region.
(With inputs from PTI)
