Mumbai–Pune Expressway Jam Update: Traffic Resumes As Commuters Still Facing Long Delay

Traffic movement on the Mumbai-bound lane of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway resumed early Thursday, more than 33 hours after a gas tanker overturned in the steep Khandala Ghat stretch, officials confirmed, PTI reported.

The tanker, loaded with highly flammable propylene gas, had toppled near the Adoshi tunnel, forcing authorities to halt traffic on the busy corridor as a safety measure. After extensive efforts, the vehicle was cleared from the accident site, and traffic was reopened at 1:46 a.m., according to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India's first six-lane, concrete, access-controlled tolled highway, spans 94.5 kilometers. It serves as a vital link connecting Mumbai, Raigad, and Navi Mumbai with Pune, carrying thousands of vehicles daily through its hilly terrain and tunnels.

Providing the latest update, SP Raigad Traffic Tannaji Chikle said that the expressway cannot be fully opened until the damaged tanker is safely shifted beyond the tunnel area. He explained that the tanker was carrying propane gas, which is highly explosive, and any hurried movement could have posed a serious threat to lives and infrastructure.

"The propane gas tanker was damaged and gas was leaking from it. Since propane is a highly explosive gas, several safety measures had to be taken. After the incident last night, the internal pressure in the tanker was extremely high, so we had to wait for it to reduce," Chikle said. "Once the tanker is shifted to the other side and crosses the tunnel, Mumbai corridor traffic will be started in full."

The accident occurred on Tuesday evening near the Adoshi tunnel on the Mumbai-bound side of the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The tanker reportedly overturned after losing balance, damaging its valves and causing gas leakage. As a precaution, authorities immediately halted traffic towards Mumbai, triggering massive congestion along the Borghat and Kamshet sections.

To manage the situation, traffic police diverted Mumbai-bound vehicles from the Kiwale area onto the old Pune-Mumbai Highway. Light vehicles were also rerouted at Magic Point near Khopoli, while Pune-bound traffic was allowed to continue on limited lanes using temporary median shifts. Despite these measures, commuters were stranded for hours, with traffic crawling at a snail's pace through the ghat section.

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Emergency response teams from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Highway Security Police, fire services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were rushed to the spot. Chemical experts were also called in to assess the situation and assist in controlling the gas leak. Officials said two leakage points were sealed, while efforts to fully neutralise the remaining gas and safely relocate the tanker are still underway.

Several commuters expressed frustration on social media, claiming they remained stuck for hours despite announcements suggesting traffic would resume. Many reported that vehicles had barely moved near the Kamshet tunnel and Borghat stretch, adding to confusion and anger among stranded passengers.

A user on X, who claims to be stuck in the jam, on X wrote, "While the Ghat section is reportedly clear, traffic remains completely gridlocked before the Kamshet tunnel. We've been stranded at a total standstill for nearly 2 hours now. Avoid this stretch if possible.

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Another user commented, "Still the traffic is as it is. I am stuck for past 3 hrs near kamshet. The traffic jam on the expressway was cleared after 32 hours, and two lanes were opened for vehicles."

The third commuter, giving a fresh update, said, "It's 9.00 am and we are Still having 20km traffic jam after the toll booth at the starting point from Pune to mumbai side..no police personnel to control the situation."

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Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took serious note of the disruption and directed MSRDC and police authorities to prepare a special emergency traffic management plan for the expressway. He acknowledged the inconvenience caused to commuters but reiterated that public safety could not be compromised given the risk associated with leaking propane gas.

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Meanwhile, toll collection on the expressway has been officially suspended until traffic conditions normalise. MSRDC has also arranged drinking water and basic refreshments for stranded commuters. Authorities have urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel on the Mumbai-Pune route and to rely on official traffic advisories for updates.

However, commuters have claimed that the authorities have continued to collect the toll charges.

Officials said traffic movement is expected to improve gradually once the tanker is completely shifted and the affected stretch is declared safe, but warned that congestion may continue for several more hours.

Credit: Oneindia