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Mumbai-Pune Traffic Halted by Devastating Landslide
6 Jul
Summary
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Highway closed due to landslide.
- Heavy rains continue, debris removal may take up to five hours.
- Traffic is being diverted, but is moving slowly and cautiously.
Early on Monday, around 3:30 am, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) halted traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the older National Highway. This drastic measure was necessitated by a severe landslide within the ghat section, exacerbated by relentless heavy rainfall.
Officials from MSRDC indicated that the road closures would persist until all debris from the landslide is cleared. The ongoing heavy rain complicates these efforts, with estimations suggesting the clearance process could span three to five hours. Traffic is currently being rerouted through the Pune-bound tunnel.
Further disruptions occurred due to extensive waterlogging, particularly near the Khalapur toll plaza, caused by the overflow of the Patalganga river. This led to slow-moving conditions on the diversion routes. MSRDC issued an advisory, urging commuters to postpone non-essential travel between Mumbai and Pune.
The situation is under continuous monitoring, with authorities planning to reassess the traffic suspension based on weather forecasts and slope stability. Restoration of normal traffic flow is contingent on favorable conditions and the completion of debris removal.
