On Tuesday afternoon, July 15, 2025, a powerful landslide struck Malshej Ghat on National Highway 61 in Thane district, Maharashtra, halting traffic and leaving commuters stranded. Triggered by intense rainfall following a period of extreme heat, the landslide sent massive stones and debris crashing onto the Kalyan-Malshej Ghat-Ahilyanagar-Parbhani-Nirmal section of the highway, according to Dhanaji Tile, Sub-Divisional Officer of the National Highway Sub-Division, Murbad.

The disaster occurred around 2:20 pm in the stunning Western Ghats, where Malshej Ghat’s picturesque mountain pass became a scene of chaos. The sudden deluge loosened rock covers on the hillside, causing a cascade of debris that blocked the road.

Local workers sprang into action, swiftly clearing enough debris to restore one-way traffic and provide relief to stranded travelers. By 5:30 pm, with the help of a JCB machine, the highway was fully cleared, allowing two-way traffic to resume. To ensure safety, authorities installed temporary reflector strips and cordoned off the affected area to enhance visibility and prevent accidents.

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The incident disrupted travel for hours, underscoring the vulnerability of this vital route to extreme weather. Malshej Ghat, a popular destination for its scenic beauty, served as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability.

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