Mumbai–Pune Expressway Closed After Gas Tanker Overturns, Traffic Chaos Likely for Over 15+ Hours
Mumbai–Pune Expressway Closed After Gas Tanker Overturns, Traffic Chaos Likely for Over 15+ Hours
Propylene gas leak near Khandala Ghat leaves commuters stranded overnight; authorities urge motorists to avoid route
Traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway remained severely disrupted on Wednesday after a gas tanker overturned in the Khandala Ghat section, triggering a hazardous leak and forcing the closure of Mumbai-bound lanes. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded for hours, with congestion stretching over 10–12 kilometres and commuters stuck for more than 15 hours in some stretches.
The accident occurred around 5 pm on Tuesday near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district, when the tanker, reportedly travelling at high speed, lost control on the slope and overturned. Soon after, a continuous leak of propylene gas, a highly flammable substance, was detected prompting immediate safety measures.
As a precaution, authorities completely shut down traffic towards Mumbai to prevent any untoward incident. Pune-bound traffic was diverted and heavily regulated, but movement remained extremely slow due to the ongoing gas leak and emergency operations at the site.
Speaking on the situation, Highway Superintendent of Police said that controlling the leak and ensuring public safety remained the top priority. He confirmed that Mumbai-bound lanes were fully closed, while Pune-bound traffic was moving at a crawl under strict monitoring.
Emergency response teams, including specialised technical experts, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), were deployed on a war footing to neutralise the propylene leak. However, officials indicated that traffic disruption could continue for at least 15 hours or more, depending on how quickly the leak is contained.
The impact on commuters has been severe. Passengers, including women and children, were left stranded overnight without access to food, drinking water or toilet facilities. Vehicles near the accident site remained stationary for several hours, adding to frustration and distress among travellers.
The Maharashtra Highway Traffic Police have appealed to motorists to avoid the Mumbai–Pune Expressway until normal traffic movement is restored. Drivers have been advised to follow official advisories and use alternate routes wherever possible.
The Mumbai–Pune Expressway, India’s first six-lane access-controlled concrete expressway, spans 94.5 kilometres and connects Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Raigad with Pune. Authorities said further updates would be issued as the situation develops and once it is safe to reopen the affected stretch.
