Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Closed After Landslide Near Tunnel 2, Traffic Diverted
Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide near Tunnel 2 on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link early Monday, forcing authorities to divert Mumbai-bound traffic from 4 am. MSRDC said the diversion was a precautionary measure, while officials confirmed no casualties. Restoration efforts are underway as traffic congestion continues in the Khandala-Lonavala stretch.
Traffic on the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway's Missing Link alignment was diverted early Monday, July 6, after a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2 amid heavy rainfall. Authorities closed the Mumbai-bound lane as a precautionary measure, while restoration work and traffic management operations continued. No casualties have been reported.
The diversion came into effect at 4 am, according to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRDC). Officials said they were monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the Highway Traffic Police and advised commuters to avoid travelling on the route unless necessary.
Missing Link Closed, Traffic Diverted as Precaution
Traffic on the Pune to Mumbai carriageway of the Khopoli-Kusgaon 'Missing Link' alignment was diverted early Monday following a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2 amid heavy rains, officials said.
MSRDC said a traffic diversion has been in place since 4 am on Monday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of commuters.
The corporation said they were closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Highway Traffic Police and advised motorists to avoid travelling on the route unless necessary.
Heavy Congestion Reported Near Lonavala
The closure of the Mumbai-bound lane led to significant traffic congestion on alternate routes through Lonavala and the Khandala Ghat section.
A motorist travelling to Mumbai from Sangli in Western Maharashtra told PTI that they have been stuck near Lonavala since 4 am as the Mumbai-bound traffic on the Missing Link was diverted.
"As the Missing Link was closed for traffic, we came via Lonavala and are now stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Expressway in the section passing through Lonavala city," he said.
The Highway Traffic Police control room said traffic on the Khandala Ghat section of the expressway has been disrupted due to waterlogging and the landslide.
No Casualties Reported, Restoration Underway
Authorities said a major landslide occurred on the Missing Link section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near the Khandala Exit, resulting in the complete closure of the Mumbai-bound lane.
According to preliminary information, no casualties have been reported. Efforts are underway to reopen the route.
About the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link, opened two months ago, is a 13-km bypass that cuts through the Sahyadri mountains, reducing travel distance by around 6 km and cutting travel time by approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
The project was developed to improve connectivity between Mumbai and Pune by easing congestion on the ghat section of the expressway. Monday's landslide comes amid persistent monsoon rainfall affecting several parts of Maharashtra, with authorities continuing to monitor road conditions and commuter safety.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 07:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
