Expressway Closed, Traffic Diverted After Landslides
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was shut down on Wednesday after multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall blocked the route. Authorities diverted all traffic to the old Mumbai-Pune Highway. The decision was taken to ensure commuter safety as debris and mud covered large sections of the expressway.
According to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), landslides occurred near the Khandala and Lonavala ghat sections. Clearing operations are underway, but no timeline for reopening has been announced. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and expect delays.
Train Services Hit, Several Cancelled
Heavy rain also disrupted rail services. The Central Railway cancelled at least 12 long-distance trains and diverted several others. Local train services on the Mumbai-Pune route were also affected, with delays of up to 45 minutes. A railway official stated that waterlogging on tracks near Karjat and Badlapur forced the cancellations.
Among the cancelled trains are the Deccan Queen, Pragati Express, and several suburban services. Passengers were advised to check train status before travelling. The Konkan Railway also reported cautionary speed restrictions due to rain.
Flooding and Waterlogging in Mumbai and Pune
Mumbai and Pune received over 200 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas. In Mumbai, roads in Andheri, Kurla, and Sion were submerged, leading to traffic jams. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed pumps to clear water. In Pune, areas like Shivajinagar and Katraj saw knee-deep water, and several vehicles were stranded.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall for the next two days. An orange alert is in place for Pune and other parts of western Maharashtra. The IMD advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Landslides and Road Closures in Ghat Sections
Besides the expressway, several other roads in the Western Ghats were closed due to landslides. The Khopoli-Pali road and the Tamhini Ghat road were also blocked. The MSRDC said that over 10 landslides were reported in the ghat sections of the expressway alone. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to assist in rescue operations if needed.
In the past 24 hours, at least three people have died in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra, including a house collapse in Pune. The state government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in affected districts. The Chief Minister urged citizens to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines.
According to the IMD, the monsoon trough is active, and a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify, bringing more rain to the west coast. The weather department expects heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra over the next 48 hours. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along the Maharashtra coast.
