Expressway – Mumbai-bound lanes reopen after hazardous tanker accident on corridor
Expressway – Traffic movement towards Mumbai on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway resumed early Thursday morning after authorities cleared an overturned gas tanker that had blocked the route for more than a day. Officials confirmed that vehicles were allowed to pass from 1.46 am after extensive safety and recovery operations were completed at the accident site.
Tanker Mishap Triggered Major Highway Closure
The incident occurred around 5 pm on Tuesday near the Adoshi tunnel when a tanker transporting propylene gas, known for its highly combustible nature, lost balance and overturned on the Mumbai-bound stretch. Considering the risks associated with the chemical cargo, authorities immediately halted traffic on that carriageway as a precautionary step. The shutdown quickly caused heavy congestion on one of the nation’s busiest road corridors connecting Mumbai and Pune.
Complex Rescue and Gas Transfer Operation
Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation stated that clearing the tanker required meticulous handling due to the hazardous material involved. Late Wednesday night, experts transferred the propylene gas from the damaged tanker into alternate containers to eliminate the risk of leakage or explosion. Heavy cranes were then used to remove the overturned vehicle safely, allowing authorities to reopen the route shortly after midnight.
Long Traffic Queues Left Commuters Stranded
The prolonged closure resulted in extensive traffic snarls, with vehicle queues stretching nearly 20 kilometres at peak hours. Thousands of commuters remained stuck for extended periods, facing significant inconvenience. Reports indicated that several travellers, including families with children, struggled due to limited access to food, drinking water, and sanitation facilities. The situation sparked frustration among motorists who found themselves stranded without clear timelines for reopening.
Traffic Flow Gradually Returned to Normal
After the damaged tanker was removed, vehicular movement through the ghat section slowly improved. However, traffic congestion persisted for some time as numerous heavy vehicles remained trapped along the route. Police officials noted that overall conditions stabilised within a few hours of reopening, although normal traffic density took longer to return.
Additional Disruptions Caused by Vehicle Breakdowns
Traffic movement faced another brief setback on Thursday morning when several heavy vehicles reportedly broke down near the Amrutanjan Bridge around 7.30 am. Authorities promptly addressed the issue, ensuring that the slowdown remained temporary and did not escalate into another large-scale jam.
Diversions and Toll Suspension Implemented
During the closure, officials diverted traffic and regulated vehicle movement through the Pune-bound carriageway in a phased manner. To reduce inconvenience for commuters, toll collection on the expressway was temporarily suspended. Multiple emergency and technical teams worked together to manage the high-risk situation and restore traffic flow efficiently.
Several Agencies Coordinated Rescue Efforts
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, highway police, and the road development authority collaborated during the recovery operation. Their combined efforts ensured the safe transfer of hazardous gas and removal of the damaged tanker without further incidents.
Public Transport and Supply Chains Affected
The disruption also impacted public transportation services, as numerous state transport buses remained stranded along the expressway, forcing authorities to cancel several scheduled trips. In addition, goods carriers transporting essential items such as milk and vegetables were delayed, briefly affecting supply chains in nearby regions.
Industrialist Highlights Emergency Preparedness Concerns
Among those affected by the traffic standstill was Pune-based industrialist Sudhir Mehta, who reportedly remained stranded for nearly eight hours before opting to return via helicopter. Sharing aerial visuals of the congestion, he emphasised the importance of improved emergency planning for high-speed corridors. He suggested the introduction of designated exit points along the expressway to help vehicles turn back during unforeseen situations and reduce large-scale traffic disruptions.