Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Reopens After 18-Hour Landslide Closure

Traffic on the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway's Missing Link bypass near the Khandala exit resumed late Monday night after a major landslide forced an 18-hour closure. The landslide, triggered by heavy overnight rain, struck near the exit of Tunnel 2 at around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, completely blocking the key transit route.

According to officials, the landslide occurred near the exit of Tunnel 2, which is the longest tunnel on the Missing Link section passing through the Sahyadri mountains. Large boulders and debris cascaded onto the road, forcing authorities to shut down the Mumbai-bound carriageway to ensure commuter safety. After extensive clearing operations, vehicular movement finally resumed at 10:10 p.m. on Monday.

The intense downpour also caused massive disruptions across the wider transport corridor. Lonavala, a popular hill station in Pune district, recorded an exceptional 670 mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 7:00 a.m. on Monday. This torrential rain triggered 22 landslides across Pune district, including several in the Karjat-Lonavala Ghat section, which severely crippled rail connectivity between Mumbai and Pune.

In addition to the expressway, rail services in the region faced severe challenges. The Western Railway reported waterlogging in the Vasai Road-Nalasopara-Virar section, which disrupted suburban rail services in the Mumbai Central Division. Authorities were forced to cancel several services and divert others to prioritize passenger safety.

The relentless weather also prompted widespread safety measures and closures in other parts of Maharashtra. Citing the India Meteorological Department's orange alert for heavy rain and gusty winds, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation announced a holiday for all government, private, and civic-run schools and colleges in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Meanwhile, in Nashik, local authorities issued a cloudburst warning and closed the Trimbakeshwar and Vani temples on Tuesday, urging tourists to stay away from vulnerable low-lying areas and waterfalls.