Pune-Mumbai Connecting Link Road Reopens After Debris Clearance and Safety Inspections

Traffic has resumed on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway's Missing Link after a landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rain blocked the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway earlier on Monday, forcing authorities to temporarily shut the route and divert vehicles.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said vehicular movement was restored after extensive debris clearance and technical safety inspections confirmed the road was safe for travel.

Landslide Blocked Carriageway Near Tunnel 2

The disruption occurred nearly nine weeks after the Missing Link project was inaugurated on May 1, 2026.

According to the MSRDC, continuous heavy rainfall caused a sudden change in the natural flow of water on the hillside above the Missing Link alignment, triggering a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2 on the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway. Landslides Shut Mumbai-Pune Highway and Expressway; Karjat-Khopoli Train Services Suspended After Ballast Washout (Watch).

Pune-Mumbai Connecting Link Road Reopens

🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE

✅ Traffic has resumed on the Pune–Mumbai Connecting Link Road. Vehicular movement has been restored after completion of extensive safety operations.

Despite relentless monsoon conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds and low visibility, MSRDC… pic.twitter.com/LCRirbWao0

— MSRDCofficial (@MSRDC_official) July 6, 2026

Large quantities of rocks, mud and debris fell onto the road, damaging a protective slab and part of a retaining wall near the tunnel entrance. As a precaution, authorities diverted traffic from around 4 am while restoration work began. Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Closed After Landslide Near Tunnel 2, Traffic Diverted.

Route Reopened After Safety Operations

The MSRDC said its teams worked throughout the day despite heavy rain, strong winds and poor visibility to clear the affected stretch and restore traffic.

Debris was removed, and the carriageway was cleaned using specialised equipment. Technical experts also carried out detailed inspections of Tunnel 2 and the adjoining slope to ensure no loose material remained that could pose a risk to commuters.

The corporation said drone surveys were attempted, but dense fog, heavy rainfall and strong winds restricted aerial inspections.

Traffic was restored only after the required safety and technical assessments had been completed.

Commuters Advised to Exercise Caution

The MSRDC has urged commuters to avoid non-essential travel during the ongoing monsoon and to follow traffic advisories issued by authorities.

The Missing Link, inaugurated on May 1 at a cost of INR 6,695 crore, is one of Maharashtra's largest road infrastructure projects. The landslide, occurring just weeks after its opening, had drawn criticism from the Opposition over the quality of construction.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 11:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).