Pune-Mumbai Expressway to Face 3-Hour Closure for Infrastructure Work
Commuters travelling from Pune to Mumbai will face significant delays and congestion following a scheduled three-hour traffic block on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway on Friday.
According to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), traffic movement towards Mumbai was completely halted between 12 pm and 3 pm on Thursday near km 58/500 (Dongargaon–Kusgaon stretch) to facilitate critical infrastructure work. During this period, vehicles were diverted via the old National Highway 48 through the Kusgaon toll plaza.
A similar block will be implemented on Friday for vehicles heading towards Pune, with diversions planned through Dehu Road and Talegaon. Authorities have urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
Regular commuters expressed frustration over the recurring disruptions on this crucial corridor. “I travel between Pune and Mumbai at least three times a week for work, and such blocks make it extremely difficult to manage time. Even a short delay turns into hours because of the traffic buildup,” said Vipul Alekar, a frequent passenger who commutes for business purposes.
Another daily commuter, Santosh Mustare, shared similar concerns, stating, “We understand maintenance is necessary, but these closures should be better managed or scheduled at night. Afternoon blocks cause maximum inconvenience as that’s peak travel time for many office-goers and transport services.”
Meanwhile, an MSRDC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The block is essential for ensuring the safety and durability of the infrastructure. We have coordinated with traffic police to implement diversions smoothly, but commuters are advised to cooperate and allow extra travel time.”
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway is a vital artery connecting two major cities in Maharashtra, and any disruption can significantly impact the daily lives of thousands of commuters. The MSRDC has assured that the work being carried out is crucial for the long-term maintenance and safety of the expressway, which handles a high volume of traffic daily.
Commuters are advised to stay updated with traffic advisories and follow alternative routes as suggested by the authorities. The MSRDC and traffic police are working together to minimize the inconvenience caused by these closures and ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the diversion periods.
