Motorists stated that there was slow-moving traffic was particularly observed in the ghat section between Khopoli and Lonavala

The affected area was near the Khopoli exit in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district

The traffic on Pune-bound direction at the ghat section was moving at a very slow pace for more than an hour, a traveller said on Friday afternoon

The traffic build-up was mainly due to a surge in vehicles leaving Mumbai as people travelled to nearby destinations for the extended weekend

The ghat section of the expressway is known for sharp turns and steep gradients, which often slow down traffic during peak travel periods

Sources said that on the way some car breakdowns were also seen along the route adding to traffic snarls

Cops have been deputed at designated spots to minimize traffic snarls