Pune, 01 May (HS): Two contradictory event were

reported from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. On the one hand Chief Minister

Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the ‘Missing Link’ for smooth and safe travel

crossing Khandala-Lokavala section and at the same time huge traffic jam

occurred on the same route on Friday morning.

Long queues of vehicles on the route were seen and

travellers were stranded for hours together. Those who faced the brunt of the

traffic jam included MP Surpiya Sule for about three hours.

Traffic on the route was diverted for the

Missing Link inauguration programme, which is considered to be the cause of the

traffic jam. Heavy traffic was experienced because of three-day week end and

people planning picnics to hill stations.

The travellers were facing difficulties because of

the rising temperature and vehicle failure due to continuous operation of

air-conditioners. The problems with non-AC vehicles were more severe.

The ‘Missing Link’, which will reduce the travel

time, probably will be opened for public in the evening or tomorrow morning.

Their return journey is expected to be smooth and pleasant.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar