PUNE: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) suspended traffic on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune National Highway in both directions in the early hours of Monday, around 3.30 am, after a landslide and incessant heavy rain severely disrupted vehicular movement in the ghat section.MSRDC officials told TOI the routes would remain closed until the landslide debris is cleared. “Heavy rain is continuing, and removing the landslide debris could take three to five hours. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to divert traffic through the Pune-bound tunnel,” an official said.“We are diverting traffic, but the water near the Khalapur toll plaza has to recede before the affected stretch can be reopened. Vehicles are moving slowly on the diversion route,” the official added.The landslide occurred near the approach to the Missing Link tunnel. Traffic was further disrupted by waterlogging at several locations after the Patalganga river overflowed, prompting the MSRDC to close the affected stretch near the Khalapur toll plaza as a precautionary measure.In a public advisory, the corporation on the official handle said traffic on both the expressway and the old highway would remain suspended until further orders.The MSRDC has urged commuters to avoid travelling between Mumbai and Pune unless absolutely necessary and advised those undertaking essential travel to check the latest traffic advisories before setting out.Authorities said that they are monitoring the situation and will review the suspension after assessing weather conditions and the stability of the slope.Debris clearance and restoration of traffic will begin as soon as conditions permit, the officials added. MSRDC officials further added that citizens should cooperate with the restrictions, follow official updates and avoid non-essential travel until normal traffic movement is restored.
