As the scorching heatwave tightens its grip across the state, commuters traversing the Mumbai-Pune Expressway find themselves grappling with unforeseen challenges and disruptions. The blistering temperatures not only spell inconvenience for daily travelers but also cast a shadow over the vacation plans of families and friends venturing towards Pune, Sangli, Satara, and the Konkan region.
Traffic snarls and bottlenecks have become all too common along the Mumbai-Pune Express Highway, triggered by heat-induced breakdowns plaguing both cars and heavy vehicles, as reported by highway police authorities. In April alone, a staggering count of 211 vehicle breakdowns was recorded on the ghat section, predominantly involving cars during daytime and larger vehicles during nocturnal hours.
Delving deeper into the root cause, a police official shed light on the mechanics behind these breakdowns. He attributed the surge in breakdown incidents to the relentless ascent along the Lonavala stretch and the treacherous Bhor ghat, where vehicles tend to accelerate fervently, eventually succumbing to overheating and mechanical failure. These breakdowns not only precipitate traffic standstills but also compound the daily congestion woes plaguing the ghat section.
Adding to the woes, a recent incident involving a short circuit led to the ignition of two cars, a bus, and an Ertiga, resulting in significant damage. While no injuries were reported, swift action by the fire department, residents, traffic police, and highway authorities ensured the safe removal of the vehicles. However, the incident, unfolding on a bustling thoroughfare, sent ripples of alarm among travelers, as recounted by police officials.
Weekday traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway typically hovers between 35,000 to 40,000 cars and heavy vehicles, surging to a staggering 50,000 to 60,000 on weekends. This surge isn’t limited to travelers bound for Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur but also encompasses throngs of voyagers embarking on Konkan escapades, particularly towards Ratnagiri and its environs. Moreover, as a pivotal state highway, it serves as a conduit for travelers journeying towards Karnataka and other southern regions, further amplifying traffic volumes.
In response to these challenges, the state highway police have undertaken concerted efforts to alert commuters about the perils of vehicle overheating. Superintendent Tanaji Chikhale of Raigad State Highway Police highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the deployment of a crane and towing van courtesy of the Indian Reserve Battalion. However, mitigating breakdown-related delays remains a formidable task, compounded by the labyrinth of traffic snarls gripping the highway.
