Weekend Chaos: Massive Traffic Gridlock Paralyses Mumbai-Pune Expressway

Pune, January 24, 2026: Commuters traveling between Pune and Mumbai are facing a harrowing morning as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has descended into a state of total standstill. Reports of massive congestion began surfacing early Saturday morning, with many travelers stuck for hours on both sides of the high-speed corridor.

A Perfect Storm of Congestion

The gridlock appears to be the result of a “perfect storm” of poor planning and heavy weekend volume. Commuters have highlighted several key factors contributing to the chaos:

• Unplanned Maintenance: Travelers reported that fresh tarmac was being laid near the toll plaza as late as Friday night, shutting down two lanes and creating a bottleneck that spilled over into Saturday morning.
• Ghat Section Blockage: The Borghat section is reportedly “completely blocked.” Eyewitnesses claim heavy trucks are occupying all lanes, with a breakdown at a crucial turning point effectively leaving only one lane functional for light vehicles.
• Lack of Enforcement: Frustrated commuters have taken to social media to slam the lack of lane discipline. Many noted that heavy vehicles are occupying the extreme right “overtaking” lane, particularly in the ghats, despite being unable to maintain speed on the incline.
• Police Interventions: To manage the massive surge of weekend travelers, Highway Police have reportedly been stopping Mumbai-bound traffic for 20-30 minute intervals to facilitate the heavy flow of vehicles heading toward Pune.

Heavy weekend traffic Mumbai Pune Expressway, to facilitate upcoming traffic, police have stopped traffic for 20-30min for Mumbai bound vehicles now. pic.twitter.com/hvHeVY7BUX

— Mumbai Pune Expressway (@Mumbai2PuneEway) January 23, 2026

Commuter Frustration Boils Over

The lack of real-time alerts has left many feeling stranded. “Stuck for about an hour now. No alerts, no diversions, and seemingly no police management at the bottleneck,” posted one commuter, Abhishek Joshi. Others noted that Google Maps is suggesting alternate routes that increase travel time by up to six hours.

Recent Accident Adds to Highway Woes

Adding to the weekend’s complications, a serious accident occurred late yesterday evening in the Gahunje area. A Mercedes-Benz rammed into a container that was reportedly parked on the roadside. The impact was severe, leaving four occupants of the luxury car with serious injuries.

Local police rushed to the scene to coordinate a rescue operation, and all four victims were shifted to a private hospital at Somatane Phata for emergency treatment. This incident has further heightened concerns regarding roadside safety and the risks posed by stationary heavy vehicles on the Expressway.

A serious accident occurred in the Gahunje area on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. A Mercedes car rammed into a container that was parked on the roadside. Four occupants of the Mercedes sustained serious injuries in the accident. On receiving information, the police immediately… pic.twitter.com/W923K5Zfcm

— Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) January 23, 2026

Compounding the frustration for regular users is the news that MSRDC recently rejected a proposal for an air ambulance service on the Expressway, citing high costs, a move that has drawn criticism given the frequent accidents and medical emergencies caused by such massive delays.

Advisory for Travelers

If you are planning to travel today, PuneNow recommends:

1. Delaying departure until late afternoon if possible.
2. Checking live traffic apps frequently before leaving.
3. Ensuring your vehicle has adequate fuel and water, as wait times in the ghat section are currently exceeding two hours.

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