Missing Link reopens for Mumbai–Pune traffic after landslide; Pune–Mumbai diversions continue

Heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread disruption across the Mumbai–Pune transport corridor on Monday, causing landslides, road closures, train cancellations and rescue operations in parts of Maharashtra, while authorities urged commuters to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Traffic on the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Missing Link section of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway was restored after an early morning landslide, but the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway remained shut as restoration work continued. Vehicles travelling towards Mumbai were diverted through the old Mumbai–Pune Highway (National Highway 48), where traffic movement was being restored in phases.

According to the State Highway Police, the landslide occurred near the exit of the first tunnel on the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway of the Missing Link, also known as the Connecting Link, during the early hours of Monday. The incident also damaged a retaining wall, complicating restoration efforts.

Officials said persistent rainfall further hampered movement after a tree collapsed onto a power line along the old Mumbai–Pune Highway, forcing temporary closure of sections of the route. Knee-deep waterlogging was also reported at several locations, slowing traffic and increasing travel time.

Authorities appealed to motorists to undertake journeys only if absolutely necessary and to strictly follow diversion routes and instructions issued by traffic police.

The adverse weather also severely affected railway operations in the ghat section between Mumbai and Pune. Central Railway cancelled 16 trains while several others were diverted, short-originated or short-terminated after a landslide between Thakurwadi and Monkey Hill Loop Cabin in Raigad district.

Railway officials said another landslide was reported around 3 am in the Pune–Lonavala ghat section, disrupting movement on both up and down lines. Restoration teams were deployed to clear debris and inspect track safety before services could be fully resumed.

Meanwhile, a rain-triggered landslide claimed one life in Patan village of Maval taluka in Pune district. Rescue teams recovered the body of a man from the debris, while search operations continued for three other family members feared trapped inside the collapsed house.

District officials said rescue efforts began immediately after the incident was reported. A 30-member team from the 5th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), based at Sudumbare near Pune, was deployed to the site. The operation is being led by Inspector Ravinder under the supervision of Assistant Commandant Chandraketu Sharma.

In Pune city, residents of a three-storey building in Sadashiv Peth were evacuated late on Sunday after the ground adjoining the structure caved in due to continuous rainfall.

Officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation's Disaster Management Department said the evacuation was carried out as a precautionary measure and no injuries were reported. Civic authorities assessed the building and surrounding area while residents were shifted to safer locations.

The latest incidents come amid intense monsoon activity across western Maharashtra, with heavy rainfall triggering landslides, flooding and infrastructure damage at multiple locations. Disaster response agencies, highway authorities and railway teams remain on high alert as forecasts indicate continued rainfall over the region in the coming days.