Mumbai Rains Trigger Landslip, Pune–Mumbai Expressway and Old Highway Closed

Mumbai, July 6: Heavy monsoon rains caused major traffic disruption on Monday after a landslip near Patan village, close to Lohgad Fort in Maharashtra’s Pune district, forcing the closure of both the Pune–Mumbai Expressway and the old Mumbai–Pune Highway.

The landslip occurred following incessant rainfall in the region, with mud, rocks and debris sliding onto the roadway, making it unsafe for vehicular movement. Authorities immediately suspended traffic on the affected stretches as a precautionary measure while emergency response teams were deployed to clear the debris and assess the stability of the surrounding hillside.

The closure resulted in long queues of vehicles on both routes, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters and transport operators travelling between Mumbai and Pune. Police and highway officials diverted traffic to alternative routes wherever possible and appealed to motorists to avoid unnecessary travel until normal movement is restored.

Officials said teams from the highway administration, disaster management authorities and local agencies were working round the clock to remove the debris and restore connectivity at the earliest. Heavy machinery was pressed into service to accelerate the clearance operation despite continuous rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall over parts of Maharashtra, prompting authorities to remain on alert for possible landslides, waterlogging and traffic disruptions in hilly areas. Residents and travellers have been advised to follow official traffic advisories and avoid venturing into vulnerable locations during periods of intense rainfall.

Authorities said the expressway and the old highway will be reopened only after a thorough safety inspection confirms that the affected stretch is secure for public use. Further updates are expected as restoration work progresses.