Traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway was restored in the early hours of Thursday, nearly 32 hours after a tanker carrying highly inflammable propylene gas overturned near the Adoshi tunnel in the Khandala ghat section, triggering one of the worst traffic disruptions in the expressway’s history. Authorities confirmed that vehicular movement resumed around 2 am after the safe transfer of gas and removal of the damaged tanker.
Initially, traffic flow remained slow due to a truck breakdown near Malavli and congestion caused by stationary heavy vehicles near Kamshet. However, traffic gradually stabilized following intensive regulation by highway police and deployment of personnel at key bottlenecks. Officials noted that vehicle volume was significantly lower than usual, as many commuters postponed or altered travel plans due to the prolonged shutdown.
“Traffic has returned to normal, but vehicle movement is lighter than on a regular day since many people deferred their journeys,” a highway police official said.
One of the Longest Gridlocks in Expressway History
The disruption, described as one of the longest traffic gridlocks on the 94.5-kilometre expressway, left thousands of commuters stranded for over a day. The congestion began around 5.15 pm on Tuesday when the tanker, travelling from Kochi in Kerala to Surat in Gujarat, lost control on a downward slope and overturned, causing a hazardous gas leak.
As a precautionary measure, authorities shut down the entire Mumbai-bound carriageway, fearing the risk of explosion. The jam stretched 10 to 12 kilometers, with vehicles remaining stationary for hours. Commuters reported severe hardship, including lack of access to toilets, drinking water and food.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Highway Police Superintendent Tanaji Chikhale said the operation was extremely sensitive due to the volatile nature of the gas. “Public safety was our highest priority. From stopping traffic to gas transfer and tanker removal, every step was executed with extreme caution and coordination,” he said.
Emergency response teams, including a specialized chemical response unit from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), were rushed to the site. Officials said the containment process was delayed due to high gas pressure inside the tanker and damaged valves, making the operation complex and time-consuming.
Public Transport Hit, Commuters Face Ordeal
The prolonged shutdown severely impacted public transport, with several bus services between Pune and Mumbai cancelled, leaving passengers stranded at bus terminals and along the highway.
Pune resident Nilay Oza, who was among those stuck, said uncertainty worsened the ordeal. “We didn’t know when the road would reopen. It was exhausting, but we understood the danger involved. Things could have turned catastrophic,” he said.
Motorists reported rationing water, skipping meals and remaining confined to their vehicles for hours. Elderly passengers complained of dehydration, body pain and anxiety during the prolonged wait.
Government Orders Probe
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to submit a detailed report along with recommendations to prevent and manage such emergencies more effectively in the future.
On average, nearly one lakh vehicles use the Mumbai–Pune Expressway daily, making the incident a stark reminder of the challenges involved in handling hazardous material transport on critical highways.
