The newly inaugurated ‘Missing Link’ section of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has been shut down just two months after opening after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday, July 6. The incident occurred near the exit of Tunnel 2, prompting authorities to immediately suspend traffic on the Pune–Mumbai carriageway as a safety measure.

Officials diverted vehicles around 4 AM, citing risks from unstable slopes and continuous rainfall in the region.

Traffic Diversions and Emergency Measures

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed the closure and implemented emergency traffic diversions. Motorists were urged to avoid the route unless absolutely necessary due to unsafe driving conditions.

Traffic movement was redirected as authorities assessed slope stability and cleared debris caused by the landslide.

What Is the ‘Missing Link’ Project?

The ‘Missing Link’ stretch, inaugurated on May 1 (Maharashtra Day) by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, spans approximately 13 kilometres through the Sahyadri mountain range. The project was designed to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Pune by:

• Reducing travel distance by about 6 km

• Cutting commute time by 25–30 minutes

• Improving safety in the accident-prone ghat section

The stretch includes:

• Two large tunnels measuring 1.75 km and 8.92 km

• Two eight-lane viaducts

• Viaducts of 790 metres and 650 metres respectively

• Route connectivity from Khopoli to near Sinhgad Institute, Pune

Despite its engineering significance, the area remains highly vulnerable to monsoon-related landslides.

Old Highway Also Hit by Flooding and Landslides

The disruption was not limited to the expressway. The old Mumbai–Pune highway also experienced severe impact due to flooding and landslides, forcing traffic to halt in both directions.

Authorities issued advisories asking commuters to postpone travel between Mumbai and Pune until conditions improve.

Widespread Disruption Across Ghats

Heavy rainfall has severely affected multiple routes in the region, including the Pune–Mangaon National Highway (Paud–Mangaon route), which has also been closed to traffic.

The police highlighted flood-like conditions in the Maval and Tamhini Ghat areas, where continuous rainfall has increased the risk of further landslides.

Stranded Commuters and Traffic Chaos

Motorists reported long delays and severe congestion. One commuter travelling from Sangli said they had been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic near Lonavala since early morning.

The situation has caused widespread inconvenience as heavy rains continue to lash the region.

Authorities Monitoring Situation Closely

Authorities, including highway police and disaster response teams, are closely monitoring the affected zones. Efforts are underway to restore safe traffic movement once weather conditions stabilise and the hillside is declared secure.

Officials have urged citizens to follow traffic updates and weather advisories before planning any travel between Mumbai and Pune.

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