Monsoon rains always show their love and hate equally to the city of Mumbai and usually this is an event that turns to Maharashtra’s biggest travel disruptions. There have been strong torrential downpours battering Mumbai and the nearby districts all through the night. This has led to a lot of devastations like landslides, flooding and widespread transport chaos through multiple areas. At least 10 people have lost their lives till now in this year’s rain-related incidents across the state. The India Meteorological Department has also issued fresh alerts warning of more and heavy rainfall that’s yet to come. The situation has been particularly dire on the Mumbai-Pune corridor where landslides in the Bhor Ghat have disrupted the road and rail connectivity. This has left most of the everyday commuters (thousands of them) stranded and has forced authorities to advise against non-essential travel.
This closure has affected many sections of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, including the recently opened Missing Link near Tunnel 2, after a landslide and falling debris made the stretch completely unsafe for travel. The old Mumbai-Pune Highway also witnessed waterlogging and flooding at multiple locations. Along with this several trains between the two cities were cancelled or diverted after landslides blocked the tracks in the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section.
If you commute through the Mumbai-Pune corridor or have a trip planned, here are some alternative road routes that you can take. Please keep in mind that in the monsoon season, these are considered to be vulnerable areas. So, checking live traffic updates before you begin the journey is essential.
Travel Via Nashik (Longest but safest major detour)
One of the most reliable detours is via Nashik. Travellers can drive from Mumbai through Thane, Bhiwandi and Nashik before continuing via Sangamner and Ahmednagar to reach Pune. While this route adds nearly 150 kilometres to the journey and can take eight to ten hours, it bypasses the landslide-prone Bhor Ghat section and is often used when the expressway remains shut.
Tamhini Ghat Route (For light vehicles)
Another option is the Tamhini Ghat route. Motorists can travel from Mumbai through Panvel, Pen and Kolad before crossing Mulshi into Pune. This route is considerably shorter than the Nashik diversion and is popular among car travellers. However, Tamhini also receives intense rainfall during the monsoon and may experience waterlogging or temporary closures if weather conditions worsen.
Malshej Ghat Route (Most practical option)
Travellers coming from the eastern suburbs can also consider the Malshej Ghat route. The drive passes through Kalyan, Murbad and Alephata before reaching Pune. Although longer than the expressway, it serves as a practical alternative when the Mumbai-Pune corridor is heavily affected.
For those already close to Lonavala, authorities have been diverting traffic through parts of the old highway wherever conditions permit. Expect slow-moving traffic, long queues and delays, as thousands of vehicles are using the same diversion. Traffic conditions continue to change as debris clearance operations progress.
Before you begin your journey to Pune or any other neighbouring area, double check Google Maps to see what the traffic is like or visit official Maharashtra traffic advisories online for the latest road status. Keep your fuel tank topped up and carry enough snacks and drinking water, in case something goes south. Avoid driving after sunset if heavy rain persists. With the IMD signalling more rain showers, flexibility may be the best travel plan. If your trip isn’t urgent, postponing it until conditions improve could be the safest option.