September 16, 2025: Commuters travelling between Mumbai, Pune and adjoining regions on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, face significant traffic disruptions as authorities undertake essential maintenance and construction works on two key routes.
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has scheduled a one-hour traffic block on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway from 2 pm to 3 pm to repair the 22 KV Bhatan–Ajivali power line near Kon Bridge. Officials explained that the high-risk electrical maintenance cannot be executed without halting traffic. Normal movement will resume once the work is complete.
To ease congestion, the Maharashtra Traffic Department has issued diversion routes, including detours via NH-48 through Kalamboli Circle, Shendug Exit, Khapoli Exit and Khalapur Toll Naka. Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and expect longer travel times.
Simultaneously, the Hadapsar–Dive Ghat stretch of the Alandi–Pandharpur Palakhi Highway will remain closed from 11 am to 2 pm for road widening works. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stated that controlled blasting is required in the hilly terrain to facilitate expansion. For safety reasons, traffic will be fully suspended during this period, with alternative routes advised.
While the closures will inconvenience thousands of commuters, officials have stressed that both interventions are vital. The expressway maintenance ensures uninterrupted power supply and prevents future risks, while widening the Dive Ghat stretch is expected to improve road safety and reduce bottlenecks on the steep section.
Authorities have urged commuters to avoid peak hours, follow diversion routes, monitor real-time traffic updates, and allow extra travel time. Logistics operators and tourists heading towards Lonavala, Khandala and other destinations have also been advised to reschedule travel to avoid delays.
Both measures, officials emphasised, strike a balance between short-term disruption and long-term gains in safety and efficiency.
Source: Travel and Tour World
