The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, including its newly inaugurated ‘Missing Link’ section, has largely reopened for traffic after an 18-hour closure due to extensive damage caused by heavy monsoon rains and landslides. While vehicular movement on the Pune-to-Mumbai corridor has been restored on two lanes, authorities have cautioned commuters and advised against non-essential travel due to persistent inclement weather.
The disruption, which began on Monday, July 6, 2026, saw the closure of both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway, severely impacting travel between the state’s two major cities. Rail services on the Mumbai-Pune route were also suspended due to landslides in the Bhor Ghat section.
Landslide damages ‘Missing Link’ section
A significant landslide occurred near Tunnel 2 of the ‘Missing Link’ section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, damaging a retaining structure and blocking the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway. The ‘Missing Link,’ a 13.3-kilometre bypass designed to alleviate traffic congestion on the ghat section, had been opened just nine weeks prior to this incident. The landslide caused debris to cover the road, leading to the complete closure of this stretch and forcing traffic to be diverted to the older Mumbai-Pune Highway.
Continuous rainfall and strong winds hampered debris clearance and repair operations. The Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway remained inaccessible for over 18 hours, causing significant delays and stranding thousands of commuters. The Mumbai-to-Pune carriageway, though reopened in phases from around 10 am on Monday, also experienced slow movement due to water flowing onto the road.
Widespread Impact of Heavy Monsoon
The intense monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding and waterlogging across Maharashtra, affecting other critical routes as well. The old Pune-Mumbai Highway faced its own disruptions, including a tree falling and damaging a power line, further limiting alternative travel options. Flood-like conditions were reported in the Maval and Tamhini Ghat areas, impacting alternate routes connecting Pune and Mumbai.
In response to the severe weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and high winds. This led to various precautionary measures, including the suspension of traffic, advisories for citizens to postpone travel, and in some areas, holidays being declared for schools and non-essential government staff being sent home early.
The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority also advised private offices to implement work-from-home policies. The Central Railway reported cancellations and diversions of at least 16 trains due to the disruptions on the railway tracks, with authorities setting up helplines to assist stranded passengers.
Restoration and Ongoing Advisories
Following extensive safety checks and repair work by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), road safety engineers, and the construction company, two lanes of the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway of the Missing Link were reopened. However, the remaining two lanes remain closed due to ongoing water flow. Authorities have stressed the importance of adhering to traffic advisories, as the possibility of continued rainfall impacting traffic movement remains.
The incident has raised questions regarding the structural integrity and preparedness of the newly built ‘Missing Link’ section for monsoon challenges. Engineers are expected to conduct further geological assessments after the monsoon season to evaluate the need for additional slope protection measures.
The Chenab Times News Desk