Gas Tanker Overturn Creates Traffic Nightmare on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
A major traffic disruption unfolded on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway after a gas tanker overturned in the Khandala Ghat section, forcing authorities to divert all vehicles to the old Mumbai-Pune Highway. Despite the diversion, severe congestion persisted on the ghat throughout Wednesday, creating a logistical nightmare for thousands of commuters.
Overnight Paralysis and Stranded Passengers
The expressway's traffic came to a complete standstill overnight following the tanker accident, leaving hundreds of vehicles immobilized on both carriageways. Vehicles remained stationary near the accident site for several hours as traffic chaos extended beyond 12 hours. This prolonged gridlock left numerous passengers, including women and children, without access to essential facilities like food, water, and toilets.
Critical Incident Details and Safety Measures
According to the expressway control room, the gas tanker overturned around 5 pm on Tuesday near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district. Preliminary reports suggest the tanker was traveling at high speed when it lost control on the slope and overturned. Following the accident, a leak of highly flammable propylene gas was detected, creating panic among motorists.
As a precautionary measure, police immediately closed the Mumbai-bound carriageway to prevent potential hazards. Mumbai-bound traffic was rerouted onto the Pune-bound carriageway for approximately 2 kilometers. However, normal traffic flow could not be restored due to continuous gas leakage from the tanker, resulting in extensive queues and crawling traffic even for Pune-bound vehicles.
Commuters' Ordeal and Social Media Outcry
The impact on motorists was severe, with many passengers stranded for hours without relief. A conductor of a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus reported around midnight that their vehicle had been stationary for over six hours near the accident site, leaving passengers without basic necessities.
Frustrated commuters took to social media to voice their concerns and share their experiences. One X user described the expressway as a "literal parking lot" and advised against travel unless absolutely necessary. Another commuter shared their distressing journey experience, highlighting the extended travel time and calling it their worst traffic encounter ever.
Official Response and Ongoing Efforts
The Maharashtra Highway Traffic Police have strongly advised motorists to avoid the Mumbai-Pune Expressway until normal traffic movement is fully restored. According to a statement from the highway traffic police shared by a Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) spokesperson, all concerned agencies are working on a war footing to contain the situation at the accident site.
The closure of the Mumbai-bound carriageway was implemented in the interest of vehicle and commuter safety, but this measure inevitably led to traffic congestion on both the Mumbai and Pune-bound lanes of the expressway.
About the Mumbai-Pune Expressway
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India's first 6-lane wide concrete, access-controlled tolled expressway, spans 94.5 kilometers and serves as a crucial transportation link connecting Mumbai, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, and Pune. This incident highlights the vulnerability of this vital infrastructure to accidents and the resulting widespread disruption to regional mobility.
