Malshej Ghat Closure: Alternative Routes, Cause of NH-61 Damage and Latest Traffic Advisory

Malshej Ghat, one of Maharashtra's most popular monsoon tourist destinations, has been closed to all vehicular traffic after a newly concretised stretch of National Highway 61 (NH-61) developed severe subsidence following heavy rainfall. Authorities have warned that continued rain could trigger a larger collapse, prompting the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to shut the affected stretch until further notice.

The closure affects a key transport corridor linking Ahilyanagar and Kalyan and comes during the peak monsoon travel season. Officials have advised motorists to use alternate routes while repair work and safety assessments are carried out. Mumbai Weather Forecast & Update for Today, Tuesday, 28 July 2026: Expect Moderate Drizzle and Highs of, High of 29°C.

Malshej Ghat Closed to Traffic After NH-61 Develops Major Subsidence

Pune: Traffic on the Ahilyanagar-Kalyan National Highway (NH-61) has been suspended after a section near Karanjale village in Malshej Ghat caved in by nearly 6-7 feet. While one-way movement was initially allowed, authorities have now completely closed the route to undertake… pic.twitter.com/6WCrvtWVjp

— NDTV (@ndtv) July 27, 2026

Why Has Malshej Ghat Been Closed?

According to the NHAI, the damaged section is located between kilometre markers 99/500 and 99/600 near Karanjale village in Junnar taluka on the Kalyan–Murbad–Ahilyanagar stretch of NH-61.

The highway, upgraded to a two-lane concrete road in 2023, suffered major structural damage after the subgrade beneath the pavement collapsed, affecting nearly 100 metres of the carriageway. Ratnagiri Railway Station Roof Collapses Amid Heavy Rains (Watch Video).

The NHAI informed the Highway Traffic Police that allowing vehicles to continue using the weakened stretch could pose a serious risk to life and property. Following the alert, the Pune Highway Traffic Police announced that the Malshej Ghat section of NH-61 would remain closed to all vehicles until further orders.

What Caused the NH-61 Subsidence?

According to preliminary findings by the NHAI, excavation on adjoining private agricultural land allegedly weakened the foundation of a gabion retaining wall constructed alongside the highway.

Subsequent heavy rainfall washed away soil from the hillside, eroding the retaining wall's foundation and causing the highway subgrade to collapse.

Authorities initially closed the left carriageway and diverted traffic onto the remaining lane. However, continued rainfall raised concerns that the remaining section could also fail, leading to the complete closure of the highway as a precautionary measure.

Alternative Routes for Motorists

Authorities have advised commuters travelling between Mumbai and Ahilyanagar to use the following diversion routes:

• Alephata – Rajgurunagar – Chakan – Talegaon MIDC – Lonavala – Mumbai
• Alephata – Sangamner – Nashik – Kasara – Kalyan – Mumbai

Motorists have been urged to follow diversion signage and allow extra travel time.

Monsoon Tourism and Transport Likely to Be Affected

Located in the northern Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat attracts thousands of visitors every monsoon due to its waterfalls, mist-covered valleys, lush greenery and trekking routes.

The closure is expected to disrupt weekend tourism during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

NH-61 also serves as an important transport corridor connecting western Maharashtra with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, meaning freight movement and daily commuting could also be affected until repairs are completed.

Maharashtra Weather: Heavy Rain Forecast to Continue

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast active southwest monsoon conditions across Maharashtra throughout the week, with widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected in several regions.

The heaviest rainfall is likely over Konkan, the Western Ghats and parts of Central Maharashtra, where isolated areas may receive very heavy rain.

According to forecasts, Konkan and Goa are expected to receive widespread rainfall through July 31, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides and overflowing rivers in hilly areas.

Pune and Western Ghats Forecast

Pune is expected to experience generally cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate rain between July 28 and July 30.

Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated locations across the adjoining Western Ghats during the same period.

Weather conditions are expected to improve from July 31, when only light rain is forecast under partly cloudy to cloudy skies.

Heavy Rain Warning Across Central Maharashtra

Central Maharashtra is expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, with isolated places likely to experience heavy to very heavy showers between July 27 and July 31.

Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of up to 60 kmph are also forecast between July 28 and July 30.

Marathwada is expected to receive scattered rainfall along with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds until July 29, increasing the possibility of localised waterlogging.

Ghat Regions Record Heavy Rainfall

Several locations across Maharashtra's ghat regions recorded significant rainfall during the past 24 hours:

• Tamhini – 170 mm
• Bhivpuri – 158 mm
• Khand – 152 mm
• Shirgaon – 140 mm
• Lonavala (Tata Dam) – 128 mm
• Walvan – 114 mm

The heavy rainfall has heightened concerns over landslides, road damage and flooding in vulnerable hilly areas.

With active monsoon conditions expected to continue, authorities have advised travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys through hilly and flood-prone regions during periods of intense rainfall. Officials have also urged motorists to check traffic updates and follow official advisories before travelling through the Western Ghats.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 12:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).