Mumbai-Bengaluru highway partially re-opens for traffic

PUNE As the water level of the Panchaganga river receded further, the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway re-opened for traffic, partially, on Monday.

According to Kolhapur police officials, one lane of the highway for heavy vehicles coming towards Pune from Kolhapur has been re-opened.

A 100-metre stretch near Shiroli is still inundated. Smaller vehicles, according to officials, were being allowed on another lane reserved for vehicles going from Pune to Kolhapur.

“We have opened two lanes for traffic at around 5pm. By late evening, we will open additional lanes,” said Shailesh Balkawade, superintendent of police, Kolhapur. Earlier in the morning, the highway was opened for vehicles carrying essential goods.