Pune: The Bhide Bridge has been submerged, and the road along the riverbed has been closed to traffic. Consequently, massive traffic jams were observed on Jangli Maharaj Road and in the inner parts of the city on Monday (July 29) evening, causing significant inconvenience to motorists as the city's traffic system collapsed.

MNS Chief Raj Thackeray's convoy also got stuck in the traffic congestion on JM Road on Monday (July 29) evening.

There has been continuous heavy rainfall in the catchment area of the Khadakwasla project. Since Sunday (July 28) night, the water discharge from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River has increased.

As a result of the rising water levels, the Bhide Bridge and the road along the riverbed in the Deccan area have been submerged. Therefore, the traffic police have closed the Bhide Bridge and the road leading from Shaniwarwada towards Erandwane.

Traffic has been diverted via Deccan Gymkhana and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Bridge. This diversion has led to traffic congestion on the internal roads of Sadashiv Peth and Shaniwar Peth. Additionally, long queues of vehicles were seen on Jangli Maharaj Road on Monday evening.

Traffic was also slow in various parts of the city, including Swargate, Shivaji Road, Bajirao Road, Karve Road, Senapati Bapat Road, as well as Katraj, Hadapsar, Mundhwa, and Viman Nagar.

As a result, commuters returning home from work were stuck in traffic for 30 to 45 minutes. Even traffic police seemed overwhelmed by the situation. Meanwhile, city traffic authorities have informed that the Bhide Bridge will be reopened for traffic once the water recedes.