Home / Disasters and Accidents / Expressway 'Missing Link' Launch Triggers Massive Traffic Snarl
Expressway 'Missing Link' Launch Triggers Massive Traffic Snarl
1 May
Summary
- Thousands of commuters were stranded for hours due to traffic jams.
- The new 13-km road between Khopoli and Lonavala opened late.
- Critics blamed poor planning and inauguration timing during a long weekend.
The opening of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway's 'Missing Link' on Friday was marred by severe traffic congestion, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours. The 13-kilometer stretch between Khopoli and Lonavala, developed by MSRDC, was intended to alleviate traffic in the Khandala Ghat. However, the road remained closed until a formal inauguration ceremony by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This delay forced all vehicles to use the existing, congested ghat road during peak morning hours.
The situation was exacerbated by a lane closure on the old expressway for inauguration arrangements, leading to long queues. Commuters reported being stuck for over five hours, with some vehicles breaking down due to overheating. Many questioned the timing of the inauguration, particularly as it coincided with the start of a long weekend, a period known for high traffic volumes on this corridor.
Opposition leaders criticized the government's planning, accusing them of prioritizing publicity over public convenience. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, who was also caught in the jam, shared videos of the extensive traffic and urged for improved traffic management. Nationalist Congress Party MP Sunil Tatkare advised motorists to remain patient, assuring that traffic would ease once the new link was fully operational.
