Mumbai-Pune Expressway Grinds to Halt After CNG Tanker Overturns Near Adoshi Tunnel
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of India's busiest highways, experienced a complete paralysis for over twelve hours on Wednesday, February 3, following a serious accident involving a CNG gas tanker. The incident occurred near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district, creating unprecedented chaos and leaving thousands of commuters stranded without basic amenities.
Accident Details and Immediate Response
According to multiple media reports, the crisis began at approximately 6:15 PM when a CNG tanker, reportedly traveling at high speed, lost control on the slope approaching the Adoshi tunnel. The vehicle overturned directly on the roadway, blocking traffic completely. Authorities responded swiftly by halting all traffic movement on the expressway as a critical safety measure, given the hazardous nature of the cargo.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway serves as a vital economic corridor connecting two of Maharashtra's most important cities. The complete shutdown created immediate ripple effects, with emergency services working to secure the area and prevent any potential gas leaks or secondary accidents.
Commuters Stranded Without Basic Facilities
While authorities focused on the accident site, hundreds of commuters found themselves trapped in their vehicles for hours with minimal assistance. Social media platforms quickly became flooded with distressing accounts from stranded travelers who reported receiving "zero help or updates" from highway authorities.
One particularly concerning account came from a woman traveling with two children who shared her ordeal on social media. "Stranded on Mumbai–Pune Expressway due to a CNG truck accident. I’m a lady travelling with two kids—no water, no washroom access, no assistance, traffic not moving at all. Shocked by the careless and inhuman handling," she wrote, adding the poignant question: "Where are the highway authorities & gatekeepers?"
Public Outrage Over Management and Infrastructure
The extended traffic jam sparked significant public anger, with many questioning the efficiency of highway management despite regular toll collection. One social media user highlighted the contradiction, stating: "Over 1 hour stuck in massive traffic on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. Tolls are collected efficiently... when will commuters get efficient roads?"
The criticism extended to broader infrastructure concerns, with another user questioning: "We speak of a trillion dollar economy, but are we building trillion worthy infrastructure? Accountability matters. Who is addressing this?" These comments reflect growing public frustration with the gap between India's economic aspirations and ground-level infrastructure realities.
Gradual Clearance and Acknowledgment of Efforts
After hours of complete standstill, authorities began clearing operations around midnight. One commuter who endured the ordeal for over eight hours reported: "Mumbai Pune express Highway. I was stuck on this for 8 plus hours. They have finally started clearing traffic and opened a single lane from around 12.30 to 1 am." The same user acknowledged the challenging work of emergency responders, noting: "Crew and police working Hard to ensure this leak is taken Care of."
The incident has raised serious questions about emergency response protocols on critical national highways, particularly regarding communication with stranded commuters and provision of basic facilities during extended disruptions. As traffic gradually returned to normal in the early morning hours, the twelve-hour ordeal left behind important lessons about infrastructure resilience and passenger safety on one of India's most important transportation corridors.
