The Pune-Mumbai Expressway recently experienced severe traffic congestion due to a surge in holiday travellers heading to popular destinations like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, and Goa for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The influx of vehicles created long queues and significant delays, particularly on the Mumbai-to-Pune route.
The worst-hit section was the Khandala Ghat, where a 12-km traffic jam was reported starting from Wednesday. The situation worsened as thousands of private vehicles, filled with tourists from Mumbai and nearby regions, congested the expressway.
The added traffic was further compounded by vehicle breakdowns and an overwhelming number of travelers using both the expressway and the old Pune-Mumbai highway, which led to gridlocks. In response to the situation, the police and highway authorities implemented several measures to manage the chaos.
Frustrated commuters took to social media, complaining of delays that exceeded two hours. Many highlighted the need for improved traffic management during peak holiday seasons. To address future traffic snarls, the police urged people to plan their trips in advance, especially to avoid peak hours. They also advised people to follow traffic rules, maintain their vehicles to prevent breakdowns, and consider using alternative routes or public transport when possible.
