Diwali Rush Causes Chaos on Samruddhi Highway; Fuel Shortage Leaves Travellers Stranded
Diwali Rush Causes Chaos on Samruddhi Highway; Fuel Shortage Leaves Travellers Stranded
The Diwali holiday rush brought unprecedented traffic to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, leading to fuel shortages, long queues, and major inconvenience for travellers. What was expected to be a smooth festive journey turned chaotic as hundreds of vehicles were left stranded across the 701-km expressway—India’s flagship high-speed corridor connecting Nagpur to Mumbai.
Fuel Shortage Triggers Massive Delays
On Saturday, the highway recorded its highest volume of vehicles since inauguration. However, several petrol pumps ran out of fuel, leaving commuters stuck for hours at the few stations still operational. At present, the expressway has just 22 fuel stations—11 on each side—placed nearly 70–75 km apart. Experts have criticised this distance as too wide, recommending a pump every 35–40 km for safety and convenience, especially during peak travel seasons like Diwali.
In response to the crisis, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) directed all fuel pump operators to maintain sufficient stock for the ongoing festive period.
Traveller Complaints Flood Social Media
Frustrated passengers took to social media to highlight multiple issues:
- Fuel shortages causing hours-long queues
- Lack of clean washrooms and hygienic food options
- Poor roadside amenities that fell short of “world-class expressway” expectations
Many travellers reported that the journey from Nagpur to Pune stretched up to 15 hours due to poor connectivity on feeder routes like Pune–Sambhajinagar and Pune–Nashik–Sinnar.
MSRDC Response and Defence
An MSRDC official acknowledged delays and fuel issues but said steps were being taken to prevent a repeat.
“We have instructed all 22 petrol pump operators to keep ample stock. Saturday saw a 30% rise in traffic—the highest ever on Samruddhi. It’s a learning process,” the official said.
However, transport experts disagreed, calling the chaos a result of inadequate planning.
“If a 30% increase in traffic can cripple operations, it shows serious gaps in preparedness,” a highway expert noted.
Concerns Over Infrastructure Readiness
Travellers insisted that a highway touted as one of India’s most advanced should offer better facilities. Following the ordeal, many commuters leaving Pune and Mumbai on Sunday stocked up on fuel, food, and water in advance to avoid similar problems.
The recent events have now raised serious questions about planning, infrastructure, and readiness on the Samruddhi Highway—even as MSRDC assures smoother operations ahead.
