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Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Reopens; Trimbakeshwar Darshan Halted

Mumbai rain

Relentless rainfall has brought Mumbai to a standstill, with heavy downpours continuing to batter several parts of Maharashtra. Nashik is among the worst-affected areas and has been placed on high alert after receiving intense rain over the past 24 hours. The adverse weather has also led to the suspension of darshan at Trimbakeshwar Temple. Here’s everything you need to know.

Amid Heavy Rain, Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link Reopens

According to Hindustan Times, traffic on the Mumbai-bound carriageway of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link bypass resumed at 10:10 PM on Monday after remaining shut for over 18 hours. The closure was triggered by a landslide near the exit of Tunnel 2, the longest tunnel on the Missing Link stretch, after overnight heavy rainfall caused debris to block the route at around 4 AM.

The incessant rainfall over the weekend triggered multiple landslides in the Mumbai-Pune ghat section on Monday. It not only disrupted road travel but also hampered rail connectivity between the two cities as large boulders fell onto railway tracks due to landslides.

According to the latest update, all government, private, and civic-run schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the city, forecasting heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

Also Read: Mumbai Rains Hit Flight Operations; IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet & More Issue Advisories

Nashik On Cloudburst Alert

Not just Mumbai and Pune, cities like Nashik have also been placed on high alert due to heavy rains. On Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of a possible cloudburst-like rainfall event in parts of the city.

According to Moneycontrol, authorities in Nashik have intensified emergency preparedness after forecasts warned that parts of the Trimbakeshwar-Igatpuri-Nashik belt could receive up to 300 mm of rainfall within a short span.

In view of the forecast, schools and colleges in Nashik, Trimbakeshwar, Igatpuri, Peth, Dindori, and Surgana talukas have been closed. As a precautionary measure, weekly markets in these areas have also been suspended. Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily shut Trimbakeshwar Temple and Saptashrungi Temple in Vani until Wednesday morning.

Also Read: 14 Special Trains Across Pune, Mumbai & Solapur To Become Regular; Fares Expected To Drop

Please stay alert and stay safe, folks!

Cover Image Courtesy: X/@itspunenow & X/navin_ankampali

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FAQs

Why has Nashik been placed on high alert?

Nashik has been placed on high alert due to forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall, with some areas expected to receive up to 300 mm of rain within a short period.

Has darshan at Trimbakeshwar Temple been suspended?

Darshan has been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees amid heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding.

Is Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link bypass now open?

Tashika Tyagi: Good coffee, charming cafes, indulgent desserts, and Indian street food - these are just a few things Tashika can never say 'no' to! When she’s not scouting out new spots to explore or eat at, you'll likely find her experimenting with Instagram recipes in the kitchen or binge-watching a K-drama.