5-Km Traffic Jam on Mumbai-Pune Expressway Near Lonavala Due to Holiday Rush
LONAVALA, March 26, 2026 – Commuters faced harrowing delays on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway this Thursday as a massive influx of holiday travelers led to a 5-kilometer-long vehicle queue. The congestion, triggered by the Ram Navami public holiday, brought traffic to a near standstill, particularly in the challenging Lonavala and Khandala ghat sections.
Visuals shared by news agencies showed thousands of vehicles trapped in the hilly terrain, with many frustrated travelers stepping out of their cars as movement became glacial.
Ghat Section Becomes a Bottleneck
While the expressway is designed for high-speed transit, the steep slopes and sharp curves of the Khandala ghat once again proved to be a major bottleneck. Authorities noted that the surge in passenger vehicles heading toward popular hill stations, coupled with regular heavy truck movement, created a perfect storm for gridlock.
To manage the crisis, Highway Traffic Police were deployed at strategic points. Officers implemented a “batch-coded” release system, allowing vehicles to pass through the steepest sections in small groups to prevent total engine overheating and further breakdowns in the narrow lanes.
Echoes of Recent Expressway Chaos
This holiday gridlock comes just weeks after a severe traffic crisis in February 2026. During that incident, an overturned gas tanker near the Adoshi Tunnel forced a complete shutdown of the highway for over 30 hours, leaving thousands stranded overnight.
While today’s delay was caused by high traffic volume rather than an accident, the recurring congestion on long weekends continues to raise questions about the expressway’s capacity to handle peak holiday loads.
VIDEO | Pune: Massive traffic jam on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway near Lonavala.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 26, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/pPtzXS10UJ
Travel Advisory
Officials expect heavy return traffic toward Mumbai and Pune late this evening and coming Sunday. Travelers are advised to:
- Check Real-time Maps: Use GPS apps to monitor tailbacks before entering the Expressway.
- Carry Essentials: Keep adequate water and snacks, especially when traveling with children or the elderly.
- Alternative Routes: Consider using the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH 48) if the Expressway shows significant red zones near the toll plazas.
