Heatwave paralyses Mumbai-Pune expressway

The intense heat sweeping across the state isnt just inconveniencing commuters on their way to work but its also disrupting the plans of families and friends heading for vacations to various destinations across Pune Sangli Satara and the Konkan regionAccording to reports from the highway police breakdowns of both cars and heavy vehicles due to the heat are causing traffic jams on the Mumbai Pune Express Highway The Maharashtra State Highway Police claim that in April alone approximately 211 vehicles predominantly cars during the day and heavy vehicles at night experienced breakdowns on the ghat sectionAlso Read Vital organ damage to death Mumbai doctors share tips to protect yourself from heatstroke in summerThe excessive heat caused several breakdowns on the highwayldquoAs per data 211 vehicles broke down in April Usually while travelling on the Bhor ghat or near the Lonavala side of the express highway As vehicles ascend the ghat their acceleration leads to overheating eventually causing breakdowns These breakdowns not only halt the traffic but also create daily congestion along the ghat section as observed over the past few daysrdquo said a police officerldquoTwo vehicles a bus and an Ertiga caught fire caused by shortcircuiting resulting in significant damage The fire brigade locals traffic police and highway police helped remove the vehicles without any reported injuries However the incident occurred on a busy road triggering panic among commuters Instead of immediately contacting the authorities some individuals opted to capture videos and photos near the burning vehiclesrdquo said the police officerPune Sangli Satara and the Konkan region are mainly affectedAccording to data from the highway police on weekdays there are typically 35000 to 40000 cars and heavy vehicles moving along the highway However during weekends this number spikes to 50000 to 60000 vehicles on both the ghat and express highway This route isnt just used by vehicles heading towards Pune Satara Sangli and Kolhapur A significant portion of travellers bound for Konkan including Ratnagiri and other regions opt for this road Being a state highway it also serves as a route for vehicles heading towards Karnataka and other southern areas contributing to the increased traffic flowThe Maharashtra State Highway Police consistently raise awareness and issue alerts regarding vehicle overheating ldquoOur officers are stationed at the toll naka before the ascent making continuous announcements advising drivers to turn off their air conditioning to prevent their vehicles from overheating Likewise we encourage both cars and heavy vehicles to pause before the ascent allowing their vehicles to cool downrdquo said Tanaji Chikhale Superintendent of State Highway Police RaigadldquoThe Indian Reserve Batallion had provided them with a crane and towing van ldquoWe have our team deployed at the spot and ghat section As soon as there is a breakdown happens our team reaches the spot But many times it does take time to reach the spot due to the traffic snarls However creating awareness and alertness among the travellers is also very importantrdquo added Chikhale