Heavy monsoon rains triggered landslides on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway on July 6, 2026, forcing a suspension of traffic for several hours. The Central Railway’s train services between the two bustling cities were also severely impacted, while flight operations faced delays due to adverse weather conditions.
Landslides Block Key Routes
The landslides occurred in multiple sections of the expressway, a vital corridor connecting India’s financial capital with its cultural and industrial hub. Debris and mudslides covered parts of the road, making travel unsafe. Traffic was halted from early morning until late afternoon, according to officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The old highway, an alternative route, also saw blockages due to fallen trees and waterlogging.
Local authorities deployed teams to clear the debris, but intermittent rain hampered rescue and restoration efforts. Commuters were advised to avoid non-essential travel between the two cities until conditions improved.
Train Services Hit
The Central Railway reported that several trains on the Mumbai-Pune route were delayed or cancelled. Waterlogging on tracks near Lonavala and Khandala, along with minor landslides, forced the railway to run services at reduced speeds. A spokesperson for Central Railway stated, “We are monitoring the situation closely. Passengers are requested to check train schedules before heading to the station.” At least 12 trains were delayed by over two hours, and three long-distance trains were diverted via alternative routes.
Flight Operations Affected
Heavy rainfall and low visibility also disrupted flights at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Pune Airport. Several flights were delayed, and a few were diverted to other airports. An airport official said, “Operations are being managed with caution. Runway visibility dropped below 500 meters during the heaviest downpour.”
Monsoon Warnings in Place
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding districts, predicting extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. The alert warns of potential flooding, landslides, and disruption to essential services. In neighboring Goa, similar conditions have led to waterlogging and road closures.
State disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas. Chief Minister of Maharashtra urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid venturing near rivers or hilly terrains. “Our priority is to ensure safety and restore connectivity as soon as possible,” he said in a statement.
Impact on Daily Life
The monsoon fury has caused significant disruption to commuters and businesses. Many office-goers were stranded on highways for hours, while school and college activities were suspended in several districts. The rail and road network between Mumbai and Pune, which sees over 100,000 vehicles daily, is expected to take at least a day to return to normal operations.
Authorities have set up relief camps and are providing food and water to stranded travelers. The situation remains dynamic, with more rain forecasted in the coming days.
