Pune-Mumbai Expressway, Highway Closed After Landslide Damages Retaining Wall

Road and rail connectivity between Pune and Mumbai was severely disrupted early Monday after heavy rainfall triggered landslides, damaged infrastructure and caused widespread water accumulation across the region. Traffic on both the Pune–Mumbai Expressway and the old Pune–Mumbai Highway was suspended, while several trains were cancelled or diverted. Authorities advised people to avoid travelling between the two cities until weather conditions improve and the affected routes are declared safe.

A major landslide occurred on the Missing Link section of the Pune–Mumbai Expressway near the Khandala Exit during the early hours. According to the State Highway Police, the landslide took place near the end of the first tunnel on the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway and damaged a retaining wall. The Mumbai-bound lane was completely closed, while preliminary information indicated that no casualties had been reported in the incident.

The old Pune–Mumbai Highway was also shut after a tree fell and caused extensive damage to a power line. Knee-deep water accumulation was reported at some locations, making travel dangerous. Police stopped traffic in both directions and urged citizens not to undertake journeys between Pune and Mumbai until further notice. Travellers were advised to postpone their plans and follow official traffic advisories issued by government agencies.

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Rail services were also badly affected after landslides were reported between Thakurwadi and Monkey Hill Loop Cabin in Maharashtra’s Raigad district and in the Pune-Lonavala Ghat section. Central Railway officials said the landslide in the southeast ghat section was reported at around 3 am and disrupted train movement on both sides. At least 16 trains were cancelled, while several others were diverted, short-originated or short-terminated.

Among the cancelled services were the Indrayani Express, Pune-Solapur Intercity Express, CSMT-Pune Intercity Express, Deccan Express, Deccan Queen, Pragati Express, Sinhagad Express and Dhule Express in both directions. The Ahmedabad-Kolhapur Express was diverted through Kalyan, Igatpuri, Manmad and Daund before reaching Pune, while the Indore-Daund Express was also diverted through an alternative route because of the disruption.

Authorities said restoration work would continue as weather conditions permit, but no immediate timeline was announced for reopening the highways or fully restoring rail services. Motorists and railway passengers were advised to check official updates before beginning their journeys. Further announcements on road and train operations are expected after inspections confirm that landslide-affected sections are stable and safe for movement.

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