Pune: Heavy Traffic Jams Reported on Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Pune-Satara Road Since Last Night
Pune, December 21, 2024: The Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Pune-Satara Road witnessed heavy traffic congestion over the weekend, disrupting travel plans for thousands of commuters. Foggy conditions and increased vehicular movement due to the holiday season have added to the chaos.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Update
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a crucial link between two major cities of Maharashtra, has been grappling with severe traffic jams. On late Friday and early Saturday, traffic slowed to a crawl, particularly near Khandala Ghat. Travelers reported gridlock lasting into the early hours, with congestion persisting even at 2 a.m. The combination of dense fog and weekend travel surge worsened the situation.
Condition of Mumbai Pune Expressway, there's saying "Tax like European countries and facilities like sub Saharan african"@nitin_gadkari pic.twitter.com/goev0IAuDP
— Aman Chandrakar (@ChanAman03) December 20, 2024
Pune-Satara Road Traffic Woes
The Pune-Satara Road has also been plagued by heavy traffic. Poor road conditions have led to long vehicle queues, especially near Khed Shivapur toll plaza, where backups stretched for nearly 4-5 kilometers. With the Christmas and New Year holidays around the corner, many heading to their hometowns faced significant delays.
Alternate Routes for Relief
To avoid prolonged traffic jams on the Pune-Satara Road, authorities recommend the following alternate routes:
- Katraj Bypass: Opt for the bypass instead of the Katraj Tunnel for a relatively smoother journey.
- Sinhagad Road: Travel via Khadakwasla and Nasrapur or Khandala Phata to bypass congested areas.
- Vadgaon-Nasrapur Route: Use Dhayari Road or Singhagad Road to reach Vadgaon and Nasrapur.
- Bhor Route: Though hilly and narrow, this path offers less congestion for travel toward Satara.
- MSRDC Local Roads: Leverage local Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) routes for faster connectivity.
Traveler Advisory
With cold weather persisting across Pune and fog affecting visibility, travelers on these routes are advised to plan their journeys in advance. Real-time updates on traffic conditions can help avoid prolonged delays.