Malshej Ghat Closed: NH-61 Shut Until Further Orders After Road Subsides Near Junnar
Pune, 26th July 2026: The Malshej Ghat section of National Highway 61 on the Ahilyanagar–Kalyan road has been closed to all vehicular traffic until further orders after a concrete stretch subsided near Karanjale village in Junnar taluka, the Highway Safety Patrol (HSP), Pune, said in a public advisory.
“All commuters are requested not to use the Malshej Ghat route and to plan their journey through alternate routes until the road is reopened,” the advisory stated.
The decision followed a written communication dated July 25 from the Sub-Divisional Officer of the National Highway Sub-Division, Murbad, to the Alephata Highway Traffic Police.
According to the communication, the affected section is located between kilometre markers 99/500 and 99/600 near Karanjale. The two-lane concrete upgrade of the highway was undertaken in 2023.
The letter stated that excavation and land-levelling work carried out on adjoining private land for agricultural purposes allegedly weakened the foundation of a gabion retaining wall constructed along the highway.
Rainwater flowing down the hill subsequently washed away soil and further weakened the retaining structure, causing the road’s subgrade to sink. Large cracks developed on the concrete surface, and a stretch measuring between 50 and 100 metres subsided, the communication said.
The left side of the highway was initially closed as a safety measure, while vehicles continued to use the right side. However, officials warned that continued heavy rainfall in the Malshej Ghat area could cause the remaining portion of the road to sink as well.
The communication particularly raised concerns about heavy vehicles using the partially available road at night, warning that continued movement could endanger lives and property. It requested the police to stop heavy vehicles travelling from Alephata and Ahilyanagar towards Kalyan and divert them through other routes.
Following the warning, the HSP issued a broader advisory closing the Malshej Ghat section to all vehicular traffic until further orders. No date has been announced for reopening the road.
Alternative routes
Motorists travelling from Alephata or Ahilyanagar towards Mumbai and Kalyan have been advised to use either of the following routes:
- Alephata–Rajgurunagar–Chakan–Talegaon MIDC–Lonavala–Mumbai
- Alephata–Sangamner–Nashik–Kasara–Kalyan–Mumbai
Police have appealed to commuters and tourists not to attempt to enter the closed Malshej Ghat section and to follow instructions issued by traffic personnel. Travellers should account for the longer distance and additional journey time while using the alternative routes.
