Pune: In a significant development for commuters traveling towards Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Panvel exit will be closed for six months starting February 11. The closure is due to construction work at Kalamboli Junction, where a new flyover and underpass are being built.

The closure is expected to affect traffic moving towards Panvel, Mumbra, and JNPT, including both light and heavy vehicles. Navi Mumbai traffic authorities have warned that this may lead to congestion in alternative routes.

To minimize disruption, alternative routes have been planned:

• Vehicles heading towards Panvel, Goa, and JNPT from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will be diverted via Konphata and Palaspe Circle to NH-48.

• Traffic from Pune towards Mumbai, heading to Taloja, Kalyan, or Shil Phata, will be rerouted through Roadpali and NH-48.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has undertaken major infrastructure upgrades in the area, including the construction of a flyover and underpass. The Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, under the Motor Vehicles Act, has issued orders to keep the Panvel exit closed for six months.

Officials have assured that once the construction is completed, the new infrastructure will improve traffic flow in the region. Until then, commuters are advised to follow the alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly.