Heavy rainfall in Satara district caused a landslide and road collapse on the Mahabaleshwar-Tapola route, leading to a complete traffic shutdown on Thursday morning.
Authorities have diverted traffic via Manghar village and are working to clear the debris and reopen the road. Travelers are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
The road was recently constructed.
Tapola, a popular tourist destination known as the ‘Mini Kashmir of Maharashtra’ for its scenic hills and Koyna backwaters, was cut off, leaving several visitors stranded.
Karad-Chiplun road opens
Meanwhile, the important Karad-Chiplun national highway, connecting Konkan via the Guhagar-Vijapur route through the Patan taluka’s Koyna division, was reopened for traffic on Wednesday afternoon. The highway near the bridge at Vajegaon had been closed for two to three days after the alternative road was washed away due to heavy rainfall. Before reopening, the newly constructed bridge underwent heavy vehicle testing to ensure safety, providing relief to travelers and locals alike.
Meanwhile, dangerous conditions persist on the Patan to Sangamnagar Dhakka (Koyna) road, with multiple hazardous spots reported, especially at night during the monsoon season. Vehicle owners and passengers have raised urgent demands for the administration to take concrete measures to improve safety. Locals and travelers from Western Maharashtra and Konkan have expressed strong concerns, warning that any future accidents or incidents due to negligence should hold the responsible authorities accountable.
