Pune: Christmas celebrations turned chaotic on December 25, as heavy traffic congestion gripped the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, particularly in the Khandala Ghat section, due to the overwhelming number of holidaymakers heading to popular destinations.

From the early hours of Christmas morning, vehicles traveling from Mumbai to Pune experienced bumper-to-bumper traffic, with lines stretching for 10–12 kilometers. The congestion was most severe in areas like Amrutanjan Bridge, Anda Point, and near the Khopoli toll plaza.

To manage the situation, highway police took the unusual step of halting Pune-bound traffic at the Khandala tunnel and opening all six lanes for vehicles coming from Mumbai to Pune. Despite these measures, the large volume of vehicles resulted in prolonged delays.

The traffic surge was fueled by Mumbai residents heading to destinations such as Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Kolhapur, and the Konkan region to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Most travelers were using private vehicles, contributing significantly to the increased traffic load on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and National Highway.

Highway police from Khandala and Borghat worked tirelessly to address the situation. However, many vehicles overheated or broke down in the jam, compounding the delays. Authorities have appealed to drivers to plan their journeys carefully, follow traffic rules, and avoid unsafe driving practices that could worsen the situation.

The highway police have advised travelers to allow extra time for their journeys and adhere to traffic regulations. Tourists are encouraged to avoid traveling during peak hours and ensure their vehicles are in good condition to prevent breakdowns.