Landslide on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, train routes due to heavy downpour; 6 killed in building collapse

Mumbai and surrounding regions in Maharashtra were battered by relentless monsoon rains on July 5 and 6, triggering widespread devastation in the region. A ground-plus-three buildingin Mankhurd’s Janta Nagar collapsed late on Sunday evening, killing at least six people, including several children and one woman, as per reports. Rescue teams have been working through debris amid ongoing showers. Additional rain-related fatalities from tree falls and other incidents pushed the toll higher, as authorities reported up to ten deaths linked to the downpour in recent days.

The deluge severely disrupted connectivity between Mumbai and Pune. Landslides struck the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near the Khandala exit and Missing Link section, causing a concrete pillar collapse and forcing complete closure of both directions. The old Mumbai-Pune Highway was similarly shut due to flooding and landslides. On the rail network, multiple landslides in the Karjat-Lonavala Bhor Ghat section halted long-distance services, leading to cancellations, diversions, and delays on Central Railway lines, though no lives have been lost yet.

In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges on Monday as well. So far, 17 flights have been cancelled as well, while 217 more hae been delayed. For now, authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors, encouraging remote working and issuing a work from home (WFH) advisory for private offices.