Traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway resumed early Thursday, nearly 32 hours after a hazardous tanker accident near the Khandala ghat section triggered one of the longest shutdowns in the highway’s history, leaving commuters stranded without food or toilet access during the Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic disruption.
The crisis began on Tuesday evening around 5.15 pm when a tanker carrying highly inflammable propylene gas overturned near the Adoshi tunnel. As gas leaked from the damaged vehicle, authorities immediately shut down the Mumbai-bound carriageway to prevent a potential explosion, causing traffic to pile up rapidly.
What Triggered The Mumbai–Pune Expressway Traffic Disruption
The Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic disruption unfolded after the tanker, travelling from Kochi in Kerala to Surat in Gujarat, lost control on a downward slope in the ghat section. Due to the volatile nature of the gas, officials prioritised safety over speed, suspending all vehicular movement for hours.
Highway Police Superintendent Tanaji Chikhale said the operation was extremely sensitive. Every step, from stopping traffic to transferring the gas and removing the tanker, was carried out under strict safety protocols and constant monitoring.
32 Hours Without Food Or Toilets
Thousands of commuters were left stranded overnight in their vehicles as the Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic disruption stretched into its second day. With no access to toilets, drinking water, or food, families, elderly passengers, and children faced severe discomfort.
Several public transport services between Pune and Mumbai were cancelled, leaving passengers stranded at bus terminals and along the expressway. Pune resident Nilay Oza said uncertainty worsened the ordeal, as commuters had no clear timeline on when traffic would resume.
Traffic Restored After Overnight Operation
Authorities finally restored traffic around 2 am on Thursday after completing the gas transfer and safely removing the overturned tanker. Movement remained slow initially due to a truck breakdown near Malavli and congestion caused by stationary heavy vehicles near Kamshet, but stabilised later with heavy police deployment.
Officials noted that vehicle volume remained lower than usual, as many travellers postponed their journeys following the Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic disruption.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry and directed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to submit a report with recommendations to manage such emergencies more effectively in the future.
FAQs
Q: What caused the Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic disruption?
A: The Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic disruption was caused by an overturned tanker carrying propylene gas near the Khandala ghat section.
Q: Why were commuters stuck without food and toilets?
A: Traffic was completely halted for safety reasons, leaving commuters stranded on the expressway without access to facilities.
Q: How long did the Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic disruption last?
A: The disruption lasted nearly 32 hours before traffic resumed early Thursday morning.
Q: What action has the government taken after the incident?
A: The Maharashtra government ordered an inquiry and sought recommendations to handle similar emergencies better.
