The newly inaugurated ‘Missing Link’ of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which opened just two months ago, has been closed after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday (July 6). The landslide occurred near the exit of Tunnel 2, prompting authorities to divert traffic on the Pune-Mumbai carriageway at around 4 AM for safety reasons.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRDC) announced the traffic diversion as a precautionary measure, urging motorists to avoid the route unless absolutely necessary.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: A major landslide occurred on the Missing Link section of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway near the Khandala Exit. Consequently, the Mumbai-bound lane has been completely closed. According to preliminary information, no casualties have been reported. Efforts are… pic.twitter.com/pRUSGhHabx
— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2026
Mumbai-Pune Missing Link
The ‘Missing Link’ spans 13 kilometers through the Sahyadri mountains, reducing travel distance by 6 kilometers and cutting commute time by 25 to 30 minutes. The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on May 1, Maharashtra Day.
The tunnels span 1.75 kilometres and 8.92 kilometres, enhancing safety and traffic flow, particularly in the accident-prone ghat section. The missing link runs from Khopoli to near the Sinhgad Institute in Pune, featuring two eight-lane viaducts and two extensive tunnels. One viaduct measures 790 metres, while the other is 650 metres long.
Old Pune-Mumbai Highway Also Hit By Landslides
In addition to the expressway, the old Pune-Mumbai highway also faced disruptions due to flooding and landslides, leading to a suspension of traffic in both directions. The police issued a public advisory, urging citizens to postpone any travel plans between Pune and Mumbai until further notice.
They emphasised the safety concerns stemming from flood-like conditions in the Maval and Tamhini Ghat areas. Moreover, the Pune-Mangaon National Highway (Paud-Mangaon route) has also been closed to all vehicular traffic until further orders following extremely heavy rainfall in the region.
Motorists reported significant delays, with one individual traveling from Sangli stating they had been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic near Lonavala since the early hours of Monday.
As heavy rains continue to batter the region, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with the Highway Traffic Police to ensure commuter safety. Citizens are advised to stay updated on traffic advisories and weather conditions to avoid delays.