After a temporary closure for heavy vehicles due to safety concerns during the monsoon season, the Pune district collector has announced that Varandha Ghat Road will be accessible to all types of vehicles starting from August 25.
Pune district collector Rajesh Deshmukh issued an official notification on Wednesday, allowing the resumption of traffic on Varandha Ghat Road.
Earlier in July, Deshmukh had taken the precautionary step of completely closing Varandha Ghat, which is part of the Pandharpur – Bhor – Mahad National Highway 965 in Bhor taluka, for heavy vehicles. This decision was taken to mitigate the potential risks associated with heavy traffic during the rainy season.
The winding and picturesque Varandha Ghat Road is susceptible to various natural hazards, including landslides, tree falls, road erosion, and landslips, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The challenges posed by these natural events often prompt the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings, which have, in turn, led to temporary road closures.
With no active alerts or warnings from the IMD and in response to requests from local political representatives, the administration has made the decision to reopen the ghat section for all vehicles starting from August 25. This move is expected to restore convenient transportation routes for local residents and travelers alike.
