Ambenali Ghat Route Closed Until August 16 Due to Heavy Rain Alert

The Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar route passing through Ambenali Ghat on State Highway 139 in Raigad district has been closed to all vehicular traffic until August 16 as a precautionary measure following heavy rainfall warnings from the India Meteorological Department.

Raigad District Magistrate Kishan Jadhav issued the order on Tuesday, citing the vulnerable terrain of the ghat section and the heightened risk of landslides and rain-related accidents. The district administration has urged motorists and citizens to strictly comply with the decision and avoid travelling through the Ambenali Ghat route until it reopens.

The route was earlier closed from July 7 to July 31. The Poladpur revenue officer subsequently sought an extension of the closure after reviewing road conditions and the continued safety risks posed by ongoing rainfall.

Safety-related work is currently being conducted along the route by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation. Officials are clearing landslide debris, maintaining rainwater drainage systems, and repairing protective and retaining walls.

Despite these precautionary measures, the administration stated that the risk of natural disasters in the steep ghat section remains high. Sudden landslides, falling debris, and heavy runoff during intense rain could pose serious threats to commuters, making the complete closure necessary to safeguard public safety.