Mumbai-Goa Highway witnessed massive traffic congestion as thousands of travelers hit the road ahead of Holi celebrations, which falls on Friday, March 14. The extended weekend has led to heavy vehicular movement, causing long delays for commuters.
Traffic Snarls on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Journalist Rajesh Kocharekar took to X (formerly Twitter) to share images of the jam-packed Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khalapur and Lonavala. He noted that several vehicles broke down amid the congestion, adding to the frustration of travelers heading toward Pune, Satara, and popular tourist destinations for the festival.
“Mumbai to Pune Expressway jam-packed at Khalapur to Lonavala. Several vehicles break down in between. So many people leaving for Pune, Satara, and weekend homes for Holi celebrations are fed up with the traffic jam,” Kocharekar wrote on X.
Mumbai-Goa Highway Construction Delays
According to a News18 report, the ongoing construction work on the Mumbai-Goa Highway has further compounded traffic woes. The highway’s completion, initially scheduled for December 2024, has been delayed and is now expected to be finished next year.
Maharashtra’s Public Works Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale recently reviewed the progress and ordered authorities to expedite the project. The highway’s construction faced setbacks due to disputes between contractors on the Sangameshwar-Lanja stretch and the collapse of a flyover in Chiplun, according to the report.
Special Trains Announced for Festive Rush
To ease travel pressure, the Central Railways has announced special trains between Mumbai and Saharsa in Bihar.
Sources By Agencies