The newly inaugurated 'Missing Link' section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was shut down early Monday morning following a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2. Continuous heavy monsoon rainfall in the region is cited as the cause, prompting authorities to divert all traffic via the older Lonavala route, leading to extensive delays and congestion.
Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed that the diversion was implemented as a precautionary measure around 4 am. This closure affects traffic moving from Pune towards Mumbai on the critical expressway.
Missing Link's Purpose and Impact of Closure
The 13-kilometer 'Missing Link', opened just two months ago, was designed to significantly improve connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. It bypasses the winding Khandala Ghat stretch, cutting approximately 6 kilometers off the journey and reducing travel time by an estimated 25 to 30 minutes. The temporary closure means commuters will once again face the longer, more challenging route.
The landslide occurred on the Khopoli-Kusgaon alignment. MSRDC officials stated that restoration work commenced immediately, with highway traffic police coordinating diversions and monitoring the flow on alternate routes. Commuters are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel until weather conditions improve and the route is declared safe.
Traffic Snarls and Commuter Woes
The rerouting has resulted in severe traffic congestion, particularly around Lonavala town and the Khandala Ghat section. A commuter traveling from Sangli to Mumbai described being stuck in “bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Expressway in the section passing through Lonavala city” after the 'Missing Link' closure.
The disruption coincides with persistent heavy monsoon rains battering western Maharashtra, impacting both road and rail networks between the two major cities. Authorities continue to deploy personnel to manage traffic and monitor the situation closely in coordination with MSRDC.