Pune Mumbai Expressway Traffic Crawls Ahead Of Long Weekend Rush
Motorists on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway faced heavy congestion on Thursday morning, with traffic crawling for kilometres between Lonavala and Khandala. The jams, arriving a day ahead of the Independence Day-Janmashtami long weekend, signalled an early surge in holiday travel. Navigation updates warned of delays exceeding 30 minutes, prompting officials to caution commuters about extended travel times and urging them to prepare for what could be one of the busiest weekends of the year on the route.
The congestion comes on the eve of an extended break, with Independence Day on Thursday, Janmashtami on Friday, and a weekend following close behind. Historically, such stretches prompt thousands to make a beeline for holiday hotspots in the Western Ghats, coastal Konkan, and beyond but this year’s rush appears to have arrived early.According to transport officials, the volume of vehicles has been steadily rising since Wednesday evening, with the expressway operating well above its designed capacity. “We are already seeing the kind of numbers we normally see on the peak day of the long weekend,” an official said, adding that both public and private vehicles are contributing to the strain.
The Pune–Mumbai Expressway, a vital 94-kilometre artery connecting two major metros, has long been a victim of its own popularity. While it has reduced travel time compared to the old highway, its scenic mountain passes and limited diversions mean that any surge in traffic quickly leads to gridlock. Thursday’s crawl between Lonavala and Khandala a stretch that often suffers during peak tourist seasons is a stark reminder of the infrastructure stress points.Travel experts warn that such situations not only cause frustration but also exacerbate environmental concerns. Long idling times increase vehicle emissions, especially in the hilly ghats where vehicular strain is higher. “We need to think beyond just widening roads,” said an urban mobility expert. “The focus must shift towards reducing unnecessary travel by improving intercity rail, promoting ride-sharing, and adopting zero-emission transport systems.”
Authorities have urged travellers to plan ahead, check live traffic updates, carry adequate fuel, and stock water and snacks in case of prolonged delays. Emergency services have also been placed on alert, particularly in ghat sections prone to accidents during high traffic periods.With Friday expected to see an even larger exodus from Pune and Mumbai, officials fear that today’s congestion may be a precursor to heavier snarls. For regular commuters, it’s another reminder of the expressway’s limited capacity to handle festival and holiday surges without significant delays.As India’s cities grow and leisure travel becomes more accessible, balancing mobility, safety, and environmental sustainability will remain a pressing challenge. For now, motorists heading into the long weekend may have to trade speed for patience and perhaps rethink whether the quickest route is always the greenest.
