Massive Traffic Snarl on Pune-Mumbai Expressway Amid Maharashtra Day Rush

The Pune-Mumbai Expressway saw significant traffic congestion on Thursday due to the Maharashtra Day holiday. Vehicles were backed up over five kilometers in the Bhor Ghat section, while a higher than usual volume of traffic was noted on the Mumbai-bound side. Efforts by traffic control personnel helped normalize the flow later in the day.

Celebrating Maharashtra Day led to a massive traffic jam on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, leaving thousands stranded, authorities reported on Thursday. The gridlock extended approximately five kilometers in the Bhor Ghat section, affecting the Pune-bound corridor.

Despite the congestion, traffic flow on the Mumbai-bound lane remained relatively normal, albeit busier due to the holiday. Traffic control teams successfully restored normalcy before afternoon, reducing the extensive wait times for vehicles in the jam.

Regular vehicular slowdowns at the Amritanjan Bridge in the ghat section, where steep gradients challenge heavy vehicles, further compounded the issue. To mitigate these recurring jams, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation is developing a 'missing link' road to divert traffic away from the congested area.

(With inputs from agencies.)