Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic Jam Near Lonavala: NH48 To Shut For 3 Hours For Two Days Starting April 23

Vehicular movement on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, will face timed disruptions over two days this week, with traffic blocks announced for bridge maintenance as the ₹6,695 crore "Missing Link" project enters its final week ahead of the May 1 deadline.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) confirmed that traffic will be completely halted in one direction for three hours on April 23 and April 24, between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, near the Dongargaon-Kusgaon stretch. The shutdown is required to remove shuttering (temporary molds) and carry out painting work on a bridge-critical "finishing touches" for the new bypass.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic Update: Mumbai-bound side to shut first

On Thursday, April 23, the closure will affect vehicles traveling towards Mumbai. During the three-hour block, traffic will be diverted off the expressway near Kiwale. Commuters will be rerouted via the Dehu Road-Talegaon stretch, connect to National Highway 48, and then rejoin the expressway at the Kusgaon toll plaza.

Officials said the diversion plan is aimed at maintaining flow while ensuring worker safety at the maintenance site.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic Update: Pune-bound traffic to face block next day

The following day, Friday, April 24, the restriction will switch direction. Vehicles heading towards Pune will be halted during the same 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM window. Traffic will be diverted from the Kusgaon toll plaza onto NH 48, guided through the Dehu Road-Kiwale corridor, before merging back onto the expressway beyond the work zone.

These maintenance blocks are part of an "overnight" push to meet the May 1 (Maharashtra Day) inauguration deadline. According to MSRDC Joint Managing Director Rajesh Patil, teams are working around the clock despite global supply chain hurdles.

The ongoing West Asia conflict has caused a shortage of bitumen and waterproofing materials, driving costs up by over 50%. While the tunnels are complete, the last leg of bitumen laying is currently underway on the massive 640-meter cable-stayed bridge that towers 180 meters over Tiger Valley.

What the "Missing Link" Means for You

Once this final work is completed, the 13.3 km "Missing Link" will allow vehicles to:

Bypass the treacherous 19.8 km Ghat section between Khalapur and Kusgaon.

Cut travel time by 25-30 minutes via a straight corridor of tunnels and bridges.

Avoid congestion caused by tourists in Lonavala and Khandala.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic Update: Advisory, helplines and what commuters should know

MSRDC has advised commuters to plan travel outside the 12 am to 3 pm window on both days, as each direction will see a complete closure for the duration.

Authorities have also shared helpline numbers for assistance during the disruption. Commuters can contact the MSRDC control room at 9822498224 or the highway police helpline at 9833498334.

The temporary shutdown is part of scheduled infrastructure maintenance aimed at improving long-term safety and durability of the expressway, one of the busiest corridors connecting Mumbai and Pune.