Heavy Rainfall Brings Mumbai-Pune Expressway to a Standstill; Massive Traffic Jam Reported

Mumbai/Pune, 19th June 2025: Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway came to a grinding halt on Thursday morning due to heavy rainfall and multiple diversions, leading to a massive jam that affected all lanes. Commuters faced long delays, particularly near the ghat sections, as the expressway struggled under the weight of an increased volume of vehicles, mostly heavy trucks.

The situation worsened with continuous rainfall across the Western Ghats, Mumbai, and Pune regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the day, raising concerns about road safety and the risk of landslides in hilly areas.

Frustrated commuters criticized the lack of effective traffic management on the expressway. Overloaded trucks blocking multiple lanes and inadequate enforcement by highway traffic police contributed significantly to the chaos.

“This expressway is always jammed, and no one does anything about it. Heavy trucks don’t stick to lanes, and the police just watch. It’s dangerous and exhausting,” said a daily commuter stuck near Lonavala.

Despite being one of India’s busiest expressways, poor lane discipline and limited on-ground intervention have amplified the challenges during monsoon months.

Travel Advisory:
Avoid non-essential travel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway today.
Exercise caution in ghat sections; landslide risks remain high due to ongoing rain.
Carry emergency supplies and check real-time traffic updates before starting your journey.

Further updates from highway authorities regarding traffic clearance are awaited.