Maharashtra Rains – Pawana River Swells as Mumbai-Pune Routes Face Disruptions
Maharashtra Rains – Heavy monsoon rainfall across Maharashtra has pushed up river levels, disrupted transport links and prompted safety measures in several districts, including Pune and the Mumbai metropolitan region.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Temple Area Affected
The Pawana River rose sharply after persistent rain in parts of Maharashtra, with water entering the premises of the Morya Gosavi Ganpati Temple in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Monday. The increase in the river level has raised concerns in low-lying areas near its banks as rain continued across the region.
Authorities have been monitoring the situation in Pimpri-Chinchwad and nearby areas, where local water bodies have received substantial inflows following intense showers over the past day.
Red Alert for Mumbai Region
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad. The weather agency said isolated locations in these districts could receive extremely heavy rainfall along with gusty winds of around 50 to 60 kmph.
Residents have been advised to remain alert as strong winds, waterlogging and reduced visibility may affect normal movement in vulnerable areas. Local administrations are expected to continue issuing updates based on changing weather conditions.
Record Rainfall Reported at Several Locations
Rainfall figures released from different parts of Maharashtra showed exceptionally high precipitation in a number of locations. Lonavla office recorded 670 mm of rain during the previous 24 hours, while Bhira received 609 mm.
Other places that witnessed intense rainfall included Tamini with 580 mm, Shirgaon with 540 mm, Ambona with 537 mm and Khopoli with 516 mm. Additional heavy rain was recorded in Lonavla at 495 mm, Davdi at 474 mm, Dongerwadi at 451 mm and Walwhan at 442 mm.
The widespread downpour has contributed to rising levels in rivers, streams and reservoirs across the affected belt. Officials are keeping watch on areas that may face flooding or slope instability if the rainfall persists.
Pune Schools Closed as Precaution
In Pune district, the administration declared a holiday for all schools on Monday after the IMD issued its warning for extremely heavy rainfall. The decision was taken as a preventive measure to reduce travel risks for students and school staff.
The Pune Municipal Corporation also urged people to avoid leaving home unless necessary. In a public advisory posted on X, the civic body asked residents to stay away from rivers, streams and other potentially dangerous locations. Citizens were also asked to follow instructions issued by local authorities.
Landslides Hit Mumbai-Pune Connectivity
Heavy rain triggered landslides in the Mumbai-Pune ghat section, causing major disruption to rail and road movement between the two cities. Boulders fell on railway tracks in the affected stretch, leading to cancellations and diversions of several train services.
Road traffic was also halted on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway after a significant landslide. The restrictions were imposed until further notice as authorities assessed the condition of the routes and began clearing operations.
Mumbai-Bound Lane Closed Near Khandala
A major landslide was reported on the Missing Link section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near the Khandala exit. The Mumbai-bound lane was completely shut following the incident, adding to travel difficulties in the ghat section.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the rail disruption and said restoration work was underway despite continuing rainfall. Preliminary reports indicated that no casualties had been reported. Rescue and road-clearing teams were working to restore connectivity when conditions become safe.