MSRDC Constitutes High-Level Committee to Investigate Pune-Mumbai Expressway Tanker Accident
Pune: In response to the severe propylene-laden tanker accident that occurred on the Pune-Mumbai expressway, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has taken decisive action by establishing a specialized seven-member committee. This committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the February 3 incident and proposing comprehensive remedial measures within a strict 60-day timeframe.
Committee Composition and Mandate
Anil Kumar Gaikwad, the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MSRDC, confirmed the formation of the committee in a statement to TOI on Saturday. The panel will be led by C P Joshi, the former president of the Indian Road Congress, who will serve as the chairperson. The co-chairperson is S Mohite, former joint commissioner of traffic and Inspector General for the Konkan region.
The committee's primary focus will be a detailed examination of the accident that took place near the Adoshi tunnel in the Khandala ghat section. According to a committee member, the investigation will include an on-site visit and an extensive technical study to understand the root causes and contributing factors.
"The committee will provide a proper overview of such situations, and suggest short-term and long-term measures," Gaikwad emphasized. He further stated that corrective steps would be implemented promptly following the submission of the committee's final report.
Expert Team and Broader Implications
The committee boasts a diverse and experienced membership, ensuring a multi-faceted approach to the investigation. Other key members include former joint commissioners of state transport Jitendra Patil and S Deshpande, safety and techno-legal expert Milind Kulkarni, Piyush Tiwari who is the president of the SaveLIFE Foundation, and Rahul Vasaikar, superintending engineer at MSRDC.
The tanker accident had far-reaching consequences, triggering a massive traffic snarl that extended up to 50 kilometers at its peak. The resulting logjam persisted for nearly 32 hours, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and causing significant disruption to travel and commerce along this critical corridor.
Enhanced Safety Measures and Accountability
Describing the accident as a rare occurrence, Gaikwad outlined immediate steps being taken to prevent similar incidents. "The highway police will intensify the monitoring of vehicles ferrying highly inflammable material on the expressway. The police personnel monitoring check posts would be extra careful now," he declared.
In a proactive move, MSRDC's chief engineers have already reached out to relevant companies, instructing them to exercise greater caution when transporting hazardous materials. Last week, the corporation also engaged with refineries and transporters operating on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, reinforcing that both consignors and consignees would be held equally accountable for any safety lapses.
Officials stressed that such consignments must be accompanied by proper escort services and have robust backup plans in place to handle emergencies effectively, thereby minimizing risks to public safety and infrastructure.
Toll Refund Demands and Public Response
In the aftermath of the disruption, there have been growing demands from the public and activists for a refund of the toll collected during the period when commuters were stranded for hours. Opposition members have criticized the continuation of toll collection under such circumstances, arguing that it was unfair to charge travelers who were unable to use the expressway as intended.
However, MSRDC officials have indicated that no decision has been taken so far regarding these refund requests. The matter remains under consideration as the corporation focuses on the ongoing investigation and implementation of safety enhancements.
The formation of this committee underscores MSRDC's commitment to addressing safety concerns on one of Maharashtra's busiest and most important expressways, aiming to restore public confidence and ensure smoother, safer travel for all users.
