Pune woke up to scenes of chaos and disruption this morning as relentless heavy rain lashed the city, submerging major roads and throwing daily life into disarray. The worst hit was the Pune-Solapur National Highway, now almost entirely under water, causing massive traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns, and widespread commuter frustration.
Since the early hours, Pune has been battered by intense rainfall, quickly overwhelming drainage systems and low-lying areas. The Pune-Solapur National Highway, a crucial artery for both local and interstate traffic, was inundated near Hadapsar, Manjari, and Loni Kalbhor. Vehicles were seen stranded in waist-deep water, with long queues of trucks, buses, and cars stretching for kilometers.
Commuters described the situation as “nightmarish,” with many forced to abandon their vehicles and wade through water to reach safety. Public transport was severely disrupted, with PMPML buses and private vehicles stuck for hours.
The rain’s impact was felt far beyond the highway. Major roads across Pune, including Kharadi, Swargate, and Sinhagad Road, reported severe waterlogging and slow-moving traffic. Several neighborhoods experienced power cuts as water seeped into electrical substations. Schools and offices saw low attendance, with many switching to work-from-home mode.
Emergency services were stretched thin, responding to calls about stranded vehicles, fallen trees, and minor accidents. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) activated disaster response teams and set up emergency helplines for affected residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall for the next 24 hours, with the possibility of more flooding in low-lying areas. The PMC has promised to deploy additional pumps and rescue teams, but with the monsoon just beginning, citizens are bracing for more weather-related challenges.