Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway resumed early Thursday, nearly 32 hours after a tanker carrying highly flammable propylene gas overturned near the Adoshi tunnel in the Khandala Ghat section, triggering a gridlock that stranded thousands of commuters for over a day.
Traffic piled up for several kilometers on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway after a propylene gas tanker accident near the Adoshi tunnel. (HT Photo)Authorities completed the gas transfer and removal of the overturned tanker before resuming traffic around 2pm. Traffic was initially slow due to traffic jams due to broken down trucks near Malavli and stalled heavy vehicles near Kamshet. Traffic stabilized after hours amid heavy police presence and active control at key choke points.
Officials said traffic was lower than usual, with many opting to postpone or change plans. “Traffic has normalized, but the number of vehicles is less than on regular days as many people have postponed their journey,” said a highway police officer.
The traffic jam was the longest in the history of the 94.5 km long Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It extended into its second day on Wednesday, leaving passengers stranded without access to toilets, drinking water or food.
On Tuesday, the tanker en route from Kochi in Kerala to Surat in Gujarat started to back up in traffic around 5.15 pm, overturned and started a major gas leak, forcing authorities to close the entire Mumbai-bound carriageway as a precaution.
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The tanker lost control on the downhill slope. Highway Police Superintendent Tanaji Chikhle said the operation was very sensitive due to the nature of the gas. “Public safety was our top priority. Every step – from stopping traffic to shifting gas and removing tankers – was carried out with utmost care and coordination,” he said.
Prolonged disruption affected public transport, with several bus services between Pune and Mumbai canceled, leaving passengers stranded at terminals and highways.
Pune resident Niloy Ojha, who was among those stranded, said lack of transparency has added to the misery. “We didn’t know when the road would reopen. It was tiring, but we understood the risks involved. The situation could have been worse.”
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Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry and directed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to submit a report with recommendations to deal with such emergencies.
Emergency response teams and a special chemical response team of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited rushed to the spot. Containment was delayed due to high gas pressure inside the tanker and damage to its valves.
An average of 100,000 vehicles use the expressway every day between Mumbai and Pune. The Mumbai-bound jam stretched 10 to 12 km. Several motorists said they rationed water, skipped meals and sat inside vehicles for hours. Elderly passengers complained of dehydration, body aches and anxiety.
