Pune: The Varandha Ghat, located on the Bhor-Mahad highway, will be closed to all types of heavy vehicle traffic until September 30. This decision was made by the district administration due to potential risks during the monsoon season. District Collector Jitendra Dudi issued the order after reviewing reports from the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office, the Public Works Department, and the police administration.
Background and Ongoing Work
Since last year, work has been underway to dual-lane National Highway 965, which connects Rajewadi (Raigad district) to Varandha, Bhor, and Pandharpur. Specifically, the 81.16-kilometer stretch from Shindewadi (Khandala tehsil, Satara district) to Mahad is being upgraded. Due to this ongoing construction, State Transport (ST) bus services via the ghat have already been suspended, and heavy vehicle movement was restricted.
However, despite these regulations, many heavy vehicles and other vehicles have continued to use the route. With the monsoon season now starting and the weather department predicting heavy rainfall in the area, concerns about safety have escalated.
Landslide Risk and Past Incidents
The winding turns, steep slopes, and the ghat top area are particularly prone to landslides during heavy rains. In previous monsoon seasons, the ghat has experienced incidents of landslides, road collapses, and embankment washouts, leading to both casualties and financial losses.
Considering these dangers, the district administration has decided to close the ghat for three months. The relevant authorities have been informed of this orde
Alternative Routes
For those traveling from Konkan to Pune, the alternative route involves passing through Mahad, Mangaon, Nizampur, Tamhini Ghat, Mulshi, and Pirangut to reach Pune. For journeys to Kolhapur, travelers should use the Rajewadi Phata, Poladpur, Khed, Chiplun, Patan, and Karhad route.
