Heavy monsoon rains disrupted travel between Mumbai and Pune on Monday, with landslides and flooding stopping train services and closing the Mumbai-Pune Expressway along with the older highway. Commuters faced major delays as connections between the cities were cut off.
Sixteen trains were cancelled and nine others rerouted due to the downpour. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Mumbai and a red alert for Pune.
Landslides struck near Thakurwadi in the Karjat-Lonavala section around 3:05 am, followed by another between Khandala and Monkey Hill. Central Railway reported all three tracks in the Bhor Ghat area affected by the continuous rainfall.
Several long-distance trains, including the Indrayani Express, Deccan Queen and Pragati Express, were cancelled or diverted. Restoration efforts continued, and passengers were advised to verify schedules before travel.
Both directions of the expressway and the old highway were shut until further notice. A landslide near Tunnel 2 led to diversions on the Khopoli-Kusgaon link, while flooding blocked sections of the older route. Police warned against travel between the cities and noted flood conditions in Maval and Tamhini Ghat.
Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Palghar districts were closed for the day amid forecasts of additional heavy rain.
