Traffic Resumes on Pune-Mumbai Missing Link After Landslide

Traffic resumes at Pune-Mumbai missing link: MSRDC

Mumbai, July 6

Vehicular movement has been restored after completion of extensive safety operations.

CM Fadnavis, in his post on X, said, "Traffic is resumed at the "Connecting Link"; vehicular movement is restored. Government is trying its best. Stay safe, everyone!"

Despite relentless monsoon conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and low visibility, MSRDC teams worked continuously to reopen the route safely. MSRDC took a slew of measures to clear the debris from the affected stretch. The Missing Link was closed on Monday morning following a landslide caused by incessant rains.

MSRDC stated in its post on X that the carriageway was thoroughly cleaned using specialised equipment, and that technical experts conducted detailed inspections of Tunnel 2 and the adjoining slope to ensure that no loose material posed a risk.

It added that drone surveys were attempted; however, dense fog, heavy rain and strong winds restricted aerial operations.

It further added that traffic has been restored only after the required safety and technical assessments were completed. Commuters have been requested to avoid non-essential travel during the ongoing heavy monsoon and to strictly follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities. MSRDC stated that it remains committed to ensuring safe and reliable travel for all road users.

Earlier, MSRDC attributed the disaster to nature, calling it an "Act of God." An MSRDC officer strongly defended the construction team, stating that the contractor was not at fault and that this was purely a play of nature.

MSRDC clarified that while landslide mitigation measures and designs were implemented, they inherently had operational limitations. Further, an MSRDC official classified the event as divine wrath, explaining that rockfall prevention measures certified by IIT-Bombay had been deployed at the site.

This included installing rock bolting (iron netting) up to 15 metres in height on the mountain slope directly above the tunnel, which remains intact and secure. However, the massive boulders that crashed down originated from nearly 150 metres above ground.

The official added that mitigating such a disaster becomes nearly impossible during such 'divine wrath-like' torrential downpours.

He noted that once the rains subside, they will inspect the rocks and evaluate if the netting can be extended higher up the slope. However, he added that this will be an expensive affair and will require utilising forest department land.

The landslide occurred at approximately 3:30 AM on Monday, July 6. According to MSRDC, the debris came crashing down at the exit of the first tunnel on the Pune-to-Mumbai corridor of the Missing Link. The impact damaged the protective retaining wall, rendering the stretch unsafe for transit.

— IANS