Traffic Jam on Pune-Mumbai Expressway : A major traffic jam, stretching over 12 kilometers, brought the Pune-Mumbai Expressway to a complete standstill on Wednesday, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded for hours. The severe congestion was primarily caused by an influx of holidaymakers traveling to popular destinations like Mahabaleshwar and Goa for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Commuters expressed frustration on social media, with many reporting that they were stuck in traffic for over two hours. Sujeet, who was traveling to Mahabaleshwar with his family, shared his experience: “We started from Panvel early in the morning but have been stuck in the Borghat section for the last 1.5 hours. It may take another two hours for the traffic to clear.”
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Key Areas Affected by Traffic Congestion:
The Borghat section of the expressway, a critical stretch from Amrutanjan Bridge to Anda Point in Khandala Borghat and Khalapur Toll Naka, was the worst affected. Long queues of vehicles were reported throughout the day, exacerbated by the large number of private cars as many tourists chose to drive to their holiday destinations.
Additional Factors Contributing to the Traffic Jam:
The traffic situation worsened due to several vehicle breakdowns caused by overheating, further slowing the flow of traffic. Highway police reported that the high volume of vehicles combined with the breakdowns created a massive bottleneck, further delaying commuters.
By 3 pm, the state highway police had managed to regulate traffic, which helped bring some relief to stranded commuters. However, the incident highlighted the need for improved traffic management during peak holiday seasons to ensure smoother travel for everyone.
Tips for Avoiding Traffic During Peak Holiday Periods:
To avoid such delays, the highway police advised tourists to plan their trips in advance, start their journeys early, and be prepared for the usual holiday traffic rush.
This traffic jam on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by travelers during peak tourist seasons and the importance of efficient traffic management to prevent such disruptions.
