Mumbai: The Ganeshotsav rush has triggered a major traffic snarl on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, with vehicles lined up for around 2 to 3 kilometres near the Khalapur toll plaza in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, disrupting the journey of thousands of passengers heading towards Konkan.
The congestion comes as a large number of people travel towards their native places in Konkan for the Ganeshotsav celebrations. The bottleneck near Khalapur has slowed traffic on a crucial route connecting Mumbai and Pune with the Konkan region.
Traffic Diverted Through Khopoli, Pali
With traffic building up near Khalapur, commuters travelling towards Konkan have been advised to consider alternate routes instead of remaining stuck on the expressway.
According to the traffic advisory , motorists can exit the expressway at the Khopoli exit near Khalapur, take a U-turn and proceed towards Pali through the Khopoli-Pen Road and Pali Phata.
From Pali, travellers can continue towards Wakan Phata and join the Mumbai-Goa Highway to proceed further towards Konkan.
Raigad Police Suggest More Alternate Routes
The Raigad Police have also suggested alternative routes for motorists trying to avoid the congestion around Khalapur.
One suggested option is the Pali Vile Nizampur Raigad Road Mahad route. Another is the Pali Vile Nizampur Mangaon route for those travelling towards Konkan.
The police have urged passengers bound for Konkan to use these alternate roads where possible to avoid the traffic build up near Khalapur.
Ganeshotsav Travel Puts Pressure on Key Roads
The latest traffic disruption is part of a wider increase in road traffic as devotees leave Mumbai, Pune and surrounding areas for Ganeshotsav celebrations in Konkan.
Other routes leading towards the region have also witnessed congestion in recent days. Reports from September 12 and 13 indicate heavy traffic on stretches around Panvel and on highways used by travellers heading towards Konkan, highlighting the pressure created by the seasonal movement of vehicles.
The Maharashtra government has also announced toll free travel for vehicles carrying devotees to Konkan from September 11 to September 27, covering the peak Ganesh festival travel period. The Times of India
Travellers Advised to Plan Ahead
For motorists planning to travel towards Konkan, the traffic situation around Khalapur is an important factor to consider. Those approaching the affected stretch may want to check traffic conditions before starting their journey and keep the routes suggested by the police as alternatives.
At present, the reported congestion is concentrated around the Khalapur toll plaza, with the traffic queue extending approximately 2 to 3 kilometres. Motorists heading towards Konkan are advised to follow traffic police instructions and use alternative routes where feasible.
With Ganeshotsav travel continuing, commuters should be prepared for increased traffic on roads connecting Mumbai and Pune with the Konkan belt.
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