Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Face 3-Hour Blocks on April 23 and 24; Check Rerouting Details
PUNE – Travelers on the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway faced significant delays today as a massive traffic snarl paralyzed the Mumbai-bound corridor. This morning’s congestion, which saw a 5 km queue stretching from the Lonavala entry to the Lonavala exit, serves as a precursor to the scheduled maintenance blocks set to begin tomorrow.
Commuters reported being stuck for several hours on the Pune-to-Mumbai lane. The backlog near Lonavala has been attributed to heavy vehicle volume and pre-maintenance preparations, leaving many motorists calling for the urgent completion of the “Missing Link” project to alleviate chronic bottlenecks in the ghat section.
Massive jam on Mumbai – Pune expressway. Pune to Mumbai lane stopped for hours. (5 KM jam from Lonavala entry to Lonavala exit. @nitin_gadkari @Dev_Fadnavis @mumbaimatterz @mumbaitraffic pic.twitter.com/RWvbjFkSLD
— Bhot Hard 🇮🇳 (@Bhot_Haard) April 22, 2026
Planned Blocks: Thursday, April 23 & Friday, April 24
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has confirmed that the expressway will face coordinated three-hour shutdowns to facilitate bridge work at Km 58/500 (Dongargaon/Kusgaon). Workers will be removing shuttering and painting a newly constructed bridge during these windows.
| Date | Direction | Block Timing | Diversion Route |
| April 23 (Thu) | Toward Mumbai | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Divert at Kiwale/Dehu Road to NH-48; rejoin at Kusgaon. |
| April 24 (Fri) | Toward Pune | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Divert at Kusgaon Toll to NH-48; proceed via Dehu Road. |
Heavy Congestion Warning
Given this morning’s unscheduled 5 km jam, the Highway Police are warning that the planned diversions via the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48) are likely to experience extreme pressure. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travel during the 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM window or utilize the rail network where possible.
For real-time assistance, commuters can reach the MSRDC Control Room at 9822498224 or the Highway Police at 9833498334.
