Mumbai-Pune Expressway – Rain-Triggered Landslide Disrupts Road and Rail Services
Mumbai-Pune Expressway – Heavy rain in the Western Ghats caused a landslide near the Khandala exit on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway early Monday, leading authorities to shut the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Missing Link section. Officials said no injuries or deaths were reported in the incident, but the continuing downpour has affected road and rail movement across the region.
Slope collapse reported near tunnel exit
The landslide occurred close to the exit of an 8.9-km tunnel on the Pune-to-Mumbai side of the expressway. A portion of the hillside gave way after persistent rainfall, blocking the route and prompting an immediate traffic closure as a precaution.
Emergency teams and highway authorities were deployed to assess the affected area and begin clearing work. Motorists were asked not to use the route until officials confirm that it is safe for vehicles.
Expressway and old highway closed in both directions
Traffic on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway was suspended in both directions after multiple landslides and intense rain created hazardous conditions on Monday morning. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd urged people to avoid non-essential travel between Mumbai and Pune until further instructions.
The agency said passengers with unavoidable travel plans should postpone their journeys where possible and rely only on official traffic updates. Authorities are monitoring the weather and road conditions before deciding when the affected stretches can reopen.
Flood-like conditions reported in nearby areas
Kolhapur Range Inspector General Ranjan Kumar Sharma said the heavy rainfall had also created flood-like conditions in Maval and Tamhini Ghat. Several roads in the region were closed following landslides and structural damage.
Rescue work was under way in Patan village near Lonavala, where local teams were responding to rain-related emergencies. Officials have appealed to residents in vulnerable locations to remain cautious and avoid travelling through ghat routes during periods of intense rainfall.
Railway services hit in Karjat-Lonavala ghat section
Train movement on the Mumbai-Pune route was also affected after a landslide was reported between Thakurvadi and Monkey Hill Loop Cabin on the Up Main Line in the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section. Central Railway said continuous rain had caused debris and falling rocks to obstruct the tracks.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he reviewed the situation with the General Manager of Central Railway. He stated that restoration teams had been sent to the affected locations and that Central Railway and Western Railway officials were coordinating efforts to resume services as soon as possible.
Multiple passenger trains cancelled
Central Railway cancelled several services scheduled for July 6 because of the disruption. The affected trains included the CSMT-Pune and Pune-CSMT Indrayani Express, Intercity Express, Deccan Express, Deccan Queen, Pragati Express and Sinhagad Express.
The Pune-Solapur Intercity Express, Solapur-Pune Intercity Express, CSMT-Dhule Express and Dhule-CSMT Express were also cancelled. Several long-distance services were diverted through alternate routes, including Kalyan, Igatpuri, Manmad and Daund.
Red alert issued for Pune district
Pune has experienced steady rainfall for the past three days, with waterlogging reported in several parts of the district. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Pune, warning of very heavy rainfall and possible local disruptions.
The district administration declared a holiday for schools and advised residents to remain alert, particularly in low-lying areas and locations close to hillsides, streams and waterlogged roads. Commuters have been asked to follow updates from government agencies before beginning any journey.