Severe monsoon rainfall brought travel between Mumbai and Pune to a halt on Monday after landslides and flooding disrupted rail and road connectivity. Train services were cancelled or diverted, while both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway were closed as authorities urged people to avoid non-essential travel.
Heavy Rain Disrupts Mumbai-Pune Transport
Torrential rainfall caused major disruption across the Mumbai-Pune corridor, with landslides and flooding affecting both railway operations and road traffic.
At least 16 trains were cancelled and nine others diverted as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Mumbai and a red alert for Pune.
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Landslides Hit Key Railway Section
According to Central Railway officials, the first landslide occurred at around 3.05 am near Thakurwadi in the Karjat-Lonavala Bhor Ghat section. A second landslide was later reported between Khandala and Monkey Hill.
All Railway Tracks in Bhor Ghat Affected
Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, said incessant rainfall triggered landslides that affected all three railway lines through the difficult Bhor Ghat section—the Up line towards Mumbai, the Down line towards Pune, and the Middle line.
He said:
“Due to incessant heavy rainfall in the South East Ghat section between Karjat and Lonavala, a landslide occurred between Thakurvadi and Monkey Hill Loop Cabin on the Up Main Line of Mumbai Division.”
The disruption led Central Railway to cancel, divert and regulate several long-distance train services.
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Multiple Train Services Cancelled and Diverted
Among the cancelled trains were:
- CSMT-Pune Indrayani Express
- Intercity Express
- Deccan Express
- Deccan Queen
- Pragati Express
- Dhule Express
Additional services, including the Pune-CSMT Sinhagad Express, were also cancelled. Several long-distance trains were short-terminated, short-originated, diverted or rescheduled.
Railway officials said restoration work was in progress and advised passengers to check the latest train status before starting their journey.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Highway Closed
Authorities suspended traffic on both carriageways of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway until further notice due to continuing heavy rainfall.
Traffic on the Pune-bound carriageway of the Khopoli-Kusgaon Missing Link was diverted early Monday after a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2. Flooding and overflowing water also made several sections of the old highway impassable.
Police Issue Travel Advisory
Police appealed to the public to avoid travelling between Pune and Mumbai until conditions improve.
The advisory stated:
“Citizens are requested not to undertake any journey between Pune and Mumbai until further directions are issued. Those planning to travel are advised to postpone their journey and follow traffic advisories and updates issued by government agencies.”
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said traffic diversions had been implemented from 4 am as a precaution.
Meanwhile, the Highway Traffic Police control room reported that vehicle movement through the Khandala Ghat stretch remained heavily affected because of waterlogging and landslides.
Schools and Colleges Closed
With forecasts predicting continued heavy rainfall, authorities declared a holiday on Monday for all government, private and civic-run schools and colleges in Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Palghar districts.
Conclusion
Persistent monsoon rain severely disrupted travel between Mumbai and Pune, forcing train cancellations, road closures and traffic diversions. As restoration work continues and more rainfall is expected, authorities have urged residents to stay updated through official advisories and postpone travel wherever possible.
