Expressway Closed After Landslide
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was shut down on July 6, 2026, following a landslide near the missing link section, as heavy rain continued to lash the region. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to avoid the route and seek alternate paths. The landslide occurred around 3:30 AM, burying a portion of the road under debris and forcing authorities to suspend traffic indefinitely.
Heavy Rain Triggers Disruption
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast extremely heavy rainfall for the Konkan and ghat areas, with Mumbai and Pune receiving over 200 mm of rain in the past 24 hours. This triggered multiple landslides along the expressway, particularly near the missing link—a 12-km stretch that remains under construction. According to MSRDC officials, the landslide at km 78+500 involved approximately 500 cubic meters of mud and rocks, making the road impassable.
"We have closed the expressway from Panvel to Khopoli for safety reasons," said an MSRDC spokesperson. "Crews are working to clear the debris, but the rain is hampering efforts. We advise all motorists to use the old Mumbai-Pune Highway or take the train."
Traffic Advisory Issued
The traffic advisory recommended alternative routes: the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48) and the Mumbai-Pune railway line. The highway, however, also reported slow movement due to waterlogging and minor slides. The MSRDC set up help desks at Panvel and Khopoli toll plazas to assist stranded travelers. Over 1,000 vehicles were diverted in the first two hours after the shutdown.
"We were stuck for hours near the missing link," said a commuter named Rahul Patil. "The rain was so heavy we couldn't see the road. The landslide happened just ahead of us. We turned back and took the old highway, which took us four extra hours."
Impact on Commuters
The closure affected thousands of daily commuters, including IT professionals traveling between Mumbai and Pune. The MSRDC estimated that the expressway handles over 60,000 vehicles daily, and the shutdown could cost the economy crores in lost productivity. Local authorities deployed buses to ferry passengers between the two cities via the highway, but delays of up to 5 hours were reported.
The IMD warned that heavy rain would continue for the next 48 hours, raising concerns of further landslides. The MSRDC said that the expressway would remain closed until conditions improve and the debris is cleared, likely taking at least 24 hours.
