06 July,2026 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, but normal traffic movement is unlikely to resume until weather conditions improve. Pic/ X
Heavy rainfall has brought traffic on both the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway to a complete halt on Monday, after flooding, landslides, and structural damage disrupted key stretches connecting the two cities.
According to police and transport authorities, vehicular movement on both routes has been suspended until further notice as a precautionary measure amid rising water levels and unsafe road conditions.
Traffic on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway was stopped after a concrete pillar reportedly fell on the carriageway near the Connecting Link and Missing Link sections. Flood-like conditions were also reported in parts of Maval and Tamhini Ghat, worsening the situation.
Officials said a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2 on the Missing Link route led to diversion of traffic from early Monday morning. Commuters reported severe congestion near Lonavala after vehicles were rerouted.
The old Pune-Mumbai highway has also been shut due to overflowing water at multiple locations, making travel unsafe for commuters. Police have appealed to citizens to avoid non-essential travel between Pune and Mumbai.
A landslide near Patan village close to Lohgad Fort reportedly trapped a family, prompting an active rescue operation by local authorities.
Train services on the Mumbai-Pune route have also been affected after multiple landslides were reported near Thakurwadi in the Bhor Ghat section. Another landslide occurred between Khandala and Monkey Hill, disrupting movement on the Central Railway network.
Officials also reported a tree fall on overhead equipment (OHE) at Khandala station, which triggered sparks and a minor fire incident, further impacting rail operations.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and highway police have urged commuters to postpone travel and strictly follow official advisories as restoration work continues.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, but normal traffic movement is unlikely to resume until weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, MNS has criticised the Maharashtra government after a landslide disrupted the Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link, which was inaugurated two months ago. The party questioned safety measures in the landslide-prone area and targeted CM Devendra Fadnavis over remarks that the bridge is still under testing, asking why public travel was allowed before completion and demanding accountability.
