Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Pune-to-Mumbai Carriageway Closed for Maintenance, Mock Drill; Check Traffic Update
Traffic moving from Pune toward Mumbai on the connecting link of the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai–Pune Expressway was temporarily halted for three hours today, August 12, to allow authorities to perform scheduled maintenance work and conduct an emergency preparedness mock drill.
Traffic moving from Pune toward Mumbai on the connecting link of the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai–Pune Expressway was temporarily halted for three hours today, August 12, to allow authorities to perform scheduled maintenance work and conduct an emergency preparedness mock drill. The closure affected the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway (Right Hand Side) between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the Highway Traffic Police confirmed that traffic heading in the opposite direction-from Mumbai toward Pune-remained completely operational and unaffected during this window.
Traffic Diversions and Driver Guidelines
To prevent severe gridlock, traffic police diverted Mumbai-bound light and heavy vehicles through the old Mumbai–Pune Highway (NH-48) via the traditional Khandala Ghat route. Superintendent of Highway Police Shivaji Pawar urged motorists to follow directional signage, adhere to speed limits, and maintain safe trailing distances around active maintenance zones. Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ To Open on Maharashtra Day; To Cut Travel Time Between 2 Cities by 30 Minutes.
"The mock drill is designed to test emergency responsiveness and coordination among multi-agency teams in the event of an accident, vehicular breakdown, or fire inside the connecting link tunnels," Pawar stated. What Is ‘Missing Link’ Project? Know How the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link Will Change Your Commute As MSRDC Sets New Opening Date for May 2026.
Pune-Mumbai Lane Shut for 3 Hours on August 12
#WATCH | Lonavala, Maharashtra | The connecting link on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway from Pune towards Mumbai has been closed for three hours today for maintenance work and a mock drill. pic.twitter.com/XQwhW19Udw
— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2026
The connecting link section—a key bypass route built through the rugged topography near Lonavala and Khandala—features complex infrastructure including deep tunnels, viaducts, and a cable-stayed bridge designed to reduce travel time and bypass accident-prone stretches of the old ghat section. Because the route carries thousands of vehicles daily, authorities perform periodic structural inspections and simulated emergency response drills to evaluate response times, communication protocols, and safety preparedness.
Traffic flow was restored to normal capacity following the scheduled reopening at 3:00 PM. Authorities have provided control room helpline numbers (9822498224 and 9833498334) for commuters seeking real-time assistance on the corridor.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
