Traffic Chaos on Pune-Mumbai Expressway During Holiday Season
Major Congestion Areas
The most affected area of this busy route was the Borghat section, which significantly impacted travelers heading to popular tourist destinations such as Mahabaleshwar and Goa. Sujay Kirdawkar, a frustrated commuter, shared his experience: “We started from Panvel early in the morning to go to Mahabaleshwar with family, but we’ve been stuck in the Borghat section for the last 1.5 hours. It may take another two hours for the traffic to clear.”The surge in private vehicles contributed greatly to the congestion, as many tourists preferred traveling by car. Long queues stretched from Amrutanjan Bridge to Anda Point in the Khandala Borghat section, and the Khalapur Toll Naka was also heavily backed up. Additionally, there were reports of vehicles breaking down due to overheating from the prolonged idling.
Tips for Travelers
In light of the situation, a state highway police official advised, “Tourists should plan their travel times carefully and consider starting early to avoid the usual holiday rush.”By 3 PM on Wednesday, the highway police had successfully managed to regulate traffic flow on the expressway, providing some relief to stranded commuters. As the holiday season continues, it remains crucial for travelers to remain patient and plan their journeys wisely to navigate the busy roads effectively.