Heavy monsoon rainfall has brought major travel and business disruptions between India's financial hub Mumbai and the city of Pune. Landslides and severe waterlogging have forced the closure of key road links and led to widespread cancellations and diversions of train services, impacting thousands of commuters and supply chains.
Pune-Mumbai Expressway Shut Due to Landslides
Authorities have suspended traffic on both carriageways of the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway until further notice. A significant landslide occurred near Tunnel 2 at the 'Missing Link' exit, a critical 13-kilometer bypass that recently opened to reduce travel time. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed diversions were in place, with the situation under constant monitoring by Highway Traffic Police.
Adding to the chaos, a concrete pillar collapsed onto a section of the expressway, further impeding movement. Flood-like conditions were reported in parts of Maval and Tamhini Ghat, rendering several stretches of the old highway impassable. Police have issued a public advisory urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel between Pune and Mumbai and to follow official traffic updates.
Rail Services Severely Affected
The incessant rainfall also triggered multiple landslides along the vital railway lines connecting Mumbai and Pune. Central Railway officials reported incidents near Thakurwadi in the Karjat-Lonavala Bhor Ghat section and between Khandala and Monkey Hill. All three railway tracks in the Bhor Ghat stretch—the Up line towards Mumbai, the Down line towards Pune, and the Middle line—were impacted.
The disruption has resulted in the cancellation of at least 16 long-distance train services, including popular routes like the CSMT-Pune Indrayani Express, Intercity Express, Deccan Express, Deccan Queen, Pragati Express, and Dhule Express. Nine other trains have been diverted. Restoration work is currently underway, and passengers are advised to verify train status before planning their journeys.
Alerts Issued, Schools Closed Across Region
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai and a red alert for Pune, indicating very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. In response to the severe weather and travel advisories, authorities declared a holiday for all government, private, and civic-run schools and colleges across Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar districts.