The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link has reopened for traffic after remaining shut for nearly 19 hours following a major landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains. Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the road was reopened after authorities completed the debris clearance and made the stretch safe for traffic. Authorities cleared debris and waterlogging overnight before restoring vehicle movement on the crucial route connecting Mumbai and Pune. Officials said traffic is being closely monitored, and if fresh obstacles appear due to rainfall, vehicles may be diverted to the old Mumbai-Pune Highway whenever necessary. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest traffic update, landslide, railway disruption and Maharashtra’s rain alert.Â
Why Was The Expressway Closed?
The Missing Link section near the Khandala Exit was shut after continuous heavy rain triggered a landslide. Large amounts of debris and mud fell onto the road, while water also accumulated on the expressway, making travel unsafe. Police and highway authorities worked throughout the day to remove the fallen debris and clear the water before reopening the route.
While the expressway remained shut, Pune Traffic Police appealed to travellers to avoid all non-essential journeys from Pune to Mumbai. Officials had warned that the Missing Link, the old Mumbai-Pune Highway and parts of the expressway were affected by landslides and waterlogging, making travel extremely risky.
Heavy rain also triggered a landslide near Tunnel No. 40 on the Mumbai-Pune railway route. Railway authorities immediately launched debris removal operations, and restoration work is continuing to fully restore train movement on the affected section.
How Has Heavy Rain Impacted Maharashtra?
Relentless rainfall over the past 48 hours has disrupted road and rail transport across several parts of Maharashtra. Multiple routes between Mumbai and Pune were affected by landslides, while waterlogging slowed traffic in several areas. The Pune traffic authorities had temporarily closed all major routes from Pune towards Mumbai due to dangerous travel conditions.
Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed all civic departments to remain on high alert after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast more heavy rainfall. The city recorded around 150-170 mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to tourist destinations, as strong winds of 70-90 kmph and heavy rainfall are expected to continue. Red alerts have also been issued for several parts of the state.
