Massive Traffic Jam Hits Mumbai–Pune Expressway Near Khandala Tunnel
Lonavala, 19th February 2026: The Mumbai–Pune corridor faced major disruption on Thursday after heavy traffic congestion built up on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway near the Khandala tunnel stretch, leaving commuters stranded for long periods.
Long queues of vehicles were reported on both carriageways, with traffic moving at a crawl toward Mumbai and several patches witnessing complete standstill conditions. The return stretch toward Pune also saw severe congestion, causing delays for travellers in both directions.
The latest gridlock comes barely eight days after a massive 32-hour traffic jam on the same route left thousands of motorists stuck without food or water and worried about fuel shortages, especially families travelling with children. Repeated incidents have raised fresh concerns over traffic planning and highway management.
Traffic police said efforts are underway to ease the congestion and urged motorists to remain patient and use alternate routes where possible. Frequent snarls in the Lonavala–Khandala ghat section have triggered public frustration, with many demanding stronger traffic control measures ahead of the upcoming holiday travel rush.
