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Mumbai – grappling with intense monsoon conditions and heavy downpours – has already received 80% of the average July rainfall in about four days. What that means, other than regular disruptions, is that inter-city travel between Mumbai and Pune has taken a big hit.
The six-lane busy expressway, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, that connects the two cities and other regions of Maharashtra, has been shut. Videos of landslides on the newly constructed 'Missing Link' part are doing the rounds.
E-way operations suspended
On Monday, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) announced closure of the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway (its official name). A post on their official social media platforms read: 'Due to landslides and continuous heavy rainfall, traffic on both the Pune–Mumbai Expressway and the old Mumbai–Pune highway has been severely affected. Traffic in both directions—Pune–Mumbai and Mumbai–Pune—has been completely closed until further orders.'
Asking for cooperation, they've even urged citizens to not travel between the two cities until further notice. 'In case of absolutely essential travel, please follow the traffic advisories and updated information issued by the administration from time to time.'
Train services impacted
It's not just the expressway and old highway. The local train services between Karjat and Khopoli remain suspended, and because of the landslide between Lonavala and Karjat, some trains have been diverted and rescheduled, and their timings have been revised. All passengers are requested to check the train timings before stepping out of their homes and commencing their journeys.
A post on X by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis read, 'Due to continuous heavy rainfall in the Mumbai–Pune area and incidents of landslides in the ghat section, rail traffic has been affected. Giving top priority to passenger safety, the railway administration has decided to cancel some trains, change the routes of others, and alter the starting and ending points of certain trains.'
Mumbai-Goa Highway impacted
Because of a landslide on the Mumbai-Goa highway near Chiplun, vehicular movement between the city and the state has been halted for over 12 hours. The removal of debris blocking the road has been slow and in progress. Commuters on the stretch have reported that food, water and fuel are unavailable, and they've been stuck for 10-12 hours.
How long is Mumbai on red alert?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a 'red alert' for Mumbai on July 6, 2026, with estimated wind speeds of 70 to 80 km/h. The city and satellite towns will continue to grapple with heavy rainfall for a few more days. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an advisory and urges citizens to 'avoid stepping out of their homes unless absolutely necessary. Maintain a safe distance from trees, dilapidated buildings, hoardings, electric poles, and other hazardous locations. Citizens are urged to contact BMC’s helpline, 1916, for assistance'.