Mumbai-Pune Expressway faces major disruption; commuters stuck near Lonavala

Massive traffic gridlock at Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Wednesday. Pic/Screengrab from X@Mana_Bhanushali)

A massive traffic congestion due to the ongoing bridge maintenance work brought vehicular movement to a near standstill on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Wednesday morning. The standstill traffic at one of the busiest expressways of Maharashtra has left hundreds of commuters stranded for over 30 minutes near Lonavala.

Earlier on Tuesday, April 21, the authorities issued an official statement highlighting that traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will face temporary disruption due to ongoing bridge maintenance work near Dongargaon/Kusgaon (km 58/500), where they will be carrying out shuttering removal and painting.

According to social media posts by the stranded travellers on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the congestion occurred on the Mumbai-to-Pune stretch, just before entering Lonavala. Vehicles are stuck bumper-to-bumper for nearly 5 kilometres, stretching from the Lonavala entry point to the exit, causing significant delays for travellers heading towards Pune.

Stranded travellers take it to social media

Frustrated travellers took to the social media platform X to share updates from the ground. One user wrote, "We are eagerly waiting for the missing link to open! It has been around 30 minutes, and we are stuck at one place before Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway."

Mumbai-bound traffic to be shut on April 23

As per the official advisory issued, traffic heading towards Mumbai on April 23 will be completely suspended between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. During this period, vehicles will be diverted via Kiwale-Dehu Road-Talegaon on National Highway 48 and rerouted towards Mumbai from Kusgaon Toll Plaza.

Pune-bound traffic closure on April 24

On April 24, traffic towards Pune will remain fully closed between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of the busiest corridors connecting the two cities, frequently witnesses congestion, especially near Lonavala during peak hours and holiday travel periods.

Authorities also urged the travellers to exercise patience and check live traffic updates before planning their journey on the route.

For assistance, motorists are advised to contact:

Mumbai-Pune Expressway Control Room: 9822498224
Highway Police: 9833498334