Traffic Chaos Grips Pune-Bengaluru Highway Near Khambatki Ghat, Vehicle Breakdowns Compound Gridlock

Pune, 23rd December 2023: A significant surge in holidaymakers taking advantage of the extended festive break has led to a chaotic scene on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway near Khambatki Ghat. The influx of travelers, particularly those heading to Goa to usher in the New Year, has caused massive traffic congestion, resulting in several vehicles experiencing engine breakdowns due to prolonged waiting.
The consecutive three-day holiday period comprising Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, coinciding with the Christmas festivities and the upcoming New Year, has prompted a surge in citizens venturing out for tourism and celebratory activities. With schools and colleges closed for the holidays, numerous individuals have embarked on trips to various destinations, amplifying the traffic influx notably on the Pune-Bengaluru route.
The picturesque yet notorious Khambatki Ghat has witnessed extensive queues of vehicles over the past few hours, contributing to a standstill situation as traffic inches forward at an excruciatingly slow pace. This protracted wait has caused engines to overheat, leading to the shutdown of several vehicles, exacerbating the existing traffic congestion.
Both sides of the ghat now host lengthy lines of vehicles, with the police authorities striving to alleviate the gridlock. Despite their efforts, the sluggish movement of vehicles persists, leaving commuters and travelers stranded and increasingly exasperated by the extended queues and delays.
The situation remains tense as holiday-goers grapple with the frustrating standstill, compounded by engine failures due to prolonged idling in traffic. The authorities are diligently working to manage the situation, yet the burgeoning traffic snarl continues to pose challenges for those traversing the Pune-Bengaluru Highway.