Ambenali Ghat closed till Aug 16 amid IMD’s heavy rainfall warning: Officials

The decision aimed to prevent possible accidents and protect lives and property given the prevailing weather conditions

The Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar route through Ambenali Ghat has been closed to all vehicular traffic until August 16 as a precautionary measure amid the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) warning of heavy rainfall over the next few days.

The route had earlier been closed from July 7 to July 31. (Pexel/Representative Photo)

Raigad district magistrate Kishan Jadhav issued the order on Tuesday, citing the ghat’s vulnerable terrain and the heightened risk of landslides and other rain-related incidents.

The closure applies to State Highway 139, which connects Poladpur, Ambenali Ghat and Mahabaleshwar. The district administration appealed to motorists and citizens to strictly follow the closure order and avoid travelling through the Ambenali Ghat route until it reopens.

The decision aimed to prevent possible accidents and protect lives and property given the prevailing weather conditions, it said.

The route had earlier been closed from July 7 to July 31. The Poladpur revenue officer subsequently sought an extension of the closure after reviewing the road’s condition and the risks posed by continued rainfall.

Officials said the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) has been undertaking safety-related works along the route, including clearing landslide debris, maintaining rainwater drainage systems, repairing protective and retaining walls and carrying out other precautionary measures.

However, the administration said the possibility of natural disasters in the Ghat section could not be completely ruled out despite these measures.

The steep terrain, possibility of landslides and heavy runoff during intense rainfall could pose a serious threat to motorists, it said. “Public safety and protection of life and property remain the priority,” the administration said while issuing the closure order.

Officials warned that sudden landslides, falling debris or other weather-related incidents could occur without warning during periods of intense rainfall. Allowing traffic on the route under such conditions could increase the risk of accidents and casualties.

The route will remain closed to all types of traffic until August 16, subject to further assessment of weather and road conditions by the authorities.