Is the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Open Now? Here’s the Latest Update
Heavy rains in the last 48 hours have hit where it hurts the most. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a lifeline for Maharashtra, and a symbol of economic development become the latest causality fo the wrath of the weather.
On the night of July 5th and 6th at approximately 3:30 AM, heavy rains caused a massive landslide at the exit of the Tunnel 2 (Pune to Mumbai side) of the newly opened missing link, bringing traffic to a halt.
On the other hand, the stretch of the old expressway near Khalapur toll plaza was inundated due to raging Patalganga River making the expressway its new home.
Thus the entire expressway was choked and the authorities swiftly closed the route between Pune and Mumbai till further announcement. To add insult to injury, even the train connection was severed between Pune and Mumbai due to a landslide on the tracks near Lonavala.
Commuters then turned towards the Tamihini ghat road to reach Mumbai from Pune via Mangaoon but even that was not to be! Severe flooding on the road led to that route being closed too.
Now finally, there is an update from Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). They have announced that he debris near Tunnel 2 (Pune to Mumbai side) has been successfully cleared. As a precautionary measure, a detailed inspection of the slope above the tunnel is currently underway to assess the presence of any loose material. Owing to persistent heavy rainfall and strong winds, the inspection is taking longer than anticipated.
The tunnel will be reopened for traffic only after all safety and technical assessments are completed and the area is declared safe for vehicular movement.
Mumbai to Pune side of the missing link remains open to traffic.
Commuters however are requested to avoid non-essential travel and cooperate with the authorities by following the traffic advisories in force.
As far as the old stretch of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is concerned, we are getting conflicting reports. Some drivers have reported reaching Mumbai from Pune smoothly with no major blockages. However, many have reported excessive flooding and landslides in the Lonavala-Khandala Ghat section. Some sections are seen inundated under raging rivers.
Several landslides have been reported along the Khandala Ghat stretch of the Pune – Mumbai Expressway due to heavy rains, affecting vehicular movement.
— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) July 6, 2026
Forwarded Video. pic.twitter.com/cPpH5wxCXw
Pune – Lonavala – Mumbai Expressway !!
— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) July 6, 2026
Very heavy rainfall continues across the ghat areas of Pune district. Several stations have already recorded over 200 mm of rain in the ghats, while many locations in and around Pune city have crossed the 100 mm mark.
🎥Amar Ghatpande pic.twitter.com/goAiVq7eEN
So the current picture is like this:
Missing Link Section – Open only for Mumbai to Pune Traffic (Pune to Mumbai traffic being diverted to the old stretch that passes through ghats)
Old Stretch of the Expressway – Largely open on both sides but due to waterlogging and landslides, facing traffic jams and delays.
What Authorities Say
They just reported clearing of the debris on the Pune to Mumbai side tunnel of the missing link but still not opened to traffic. In addition, right from Maharashtra leadership to highway authorities, everyone is advising postponing travel between two cities unless absolutely essential.
