Heavy monsoon rains have severely disrupted connectivity between Mumbai and Pune, forcing authorities to suspend traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, close the old Mumbai-Pune Highway, and halt train services on one of Maharashtra’s busiest railway corridors. The disruptions were caused by multiple landslides in the Bhor Ghat section following incessant rainfall across the region.
Authorities have advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel between Mumbai and Pune until conditions improve and restoration work is completed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued weather warnings as heavy rainfall continues across parts of Maharashtra.
Landslides Disrupt Road Connectivity
Traffic on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway was suspended after landslides and flooding made travel unsafe. According to officials, a concrete structure near the recently opened Missing Link section fell onto the carriageway, while continuous rainfall led to waterlogging and debris accumulation at several locations.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and local authorities halted traffic movement in both directions as a precautionary measure. Emergency teams have been deployed to clear debris and assess damage before reopening the route.
Mumbai-Pune Train Services Suspended
Rail connectivity between Mumbai and Pune has also been significantly affected. Landslides occurred near Thakurwadi and between Khandala and Monkey Hill in the Karjat-Lonavala Bhor Ghat section, damaging railway operations across all three lines in the area.
As a result, Central Railway suspended train services on the route and cancelled several major trains, including the Indrayani Express, Deccan Queen, Intercity Express, Pragati Express, and other passenger services. Multiple long-distance trains were diverted or rescheduled to minimise disruption.
Railway officials have urged passengers to verify train schedules before travelling, as restoration work continues under challenging weather conditions.
Missing Link Section Faces First Major Test
The disruption is particularly noteworthy because it affects the newly opened Missing Link project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The 13-kilometre bypass, inaugurated earlier this year, was designed to reduce travel distance and improve traffic flow through the Sahyadri mountain range. However, the extreme monsoon conditions have exposed the challenges of operating infrastructure in the landslide-prone Western Ghats.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Authorities are working round the clock to remove debris, inspect damaged sections, and restore both road and rail connectivity. However, continued rainfall may slow restoration efforts and prolong disruptions. Commuters are being advised to postpone travel plans and monitor official updates before starting their journey.
Summary
Heavy rainfall and multiple landslides have disrupted both road and rail connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. Authorities have suspended traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old highway, while train services through the Karjat-Lonavala Bhor Ghat section have been halted. Several major trains have been cancelled or diverted, and restoration work is ongoing as officials work to clear debris and assess infrastructure damage amid continuing monsoon conditions.
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