Pune: Varandha Ghat Road Closed Until August 31 Due to Landslide Risk Amid Monsoon

Pune, 6th July 2026: Pune District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi has ordered the closure of the Varandha Ghat stretch on National Highway 965DD from Rajewadi to Varandha on the Bhor–Mahad route until August 31 as a precautionary measure against potential landslides during the monsoon.

According to the order, the decision has been taken to prevent accidents caused by possible landslides and falling debris triggered by heavy rainfall in the ghat section. The route will remain closed to traffic until August 31, unless further orders are issued.

The district administration has also announced alternate routes for motorists travelling between the Konkan region and western Maharashtra.

Vehicles heading towards Pune have been advised to use the Mangaon–Nizampur–Tamhini Ghat–Mulshi–Pirangut–Pune route.

Those travelling towards Kolhapur have been directed to take either:

* Rajewadi Phata–Poladpur–Mahabaleshwar–Wai–Surur–Satara–Karad–Kolhapur, or
* Rajewadi Phata–Poladpur–Khed–Chiplun–Patan–Karad–Kolhapur.

The administration has appealed to commuters to follow the diversion plan and avoid travelling through the Varandha Ghat section during the closure period. Authorities said the precautionary measure has been implemented in view of the heightened risk of landslides during the ongoing monsoon season to ensure the safety of motorists.