After Pune Mumbai Expressway Gas Tanker Accident, Govt Orders Inspection Of Heavy Vehicles Across The State
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Toll Refund Promised After 32-Hour Gas Tanker Standstill
Pune, February 11, 2026: In the wake of the February 3, 2026 gas tanker accident near the Adoshi tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inspection of heavy vehicles across the state.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting at Mantralaya attended by senior officials from the Motor Vehicles Department and the police. The minister emphasised that preventing highway accidents requires both strict enforcement and sustained awareness efforts among drivers.
The move follows an incident in the Khandala ghat section where a chemical tanker overturned, disrupting traffic for nearly 32 hours on one of Maharashtra’s busiest corridors. Thousands of commuters faced long delays, with families, elderly passengers and children stranded in severe congestion. Preliminary findings suggest the driver lost control while attempting to overtake at high speed.
Sarnaik has instructed officials to carry out rigorous and transparent technical checks of heavy vehicles statewide. Particular attention will be given to the process of issuing fitness certificates under Form 138/A. The minister expressed concern over reports that certain Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) may have issued certificates beyond permitted limits and has ordered immediate inquiries along with detailed reports.
Authorities have also been told to prioritise accident-prone “black spots” on highways. Measures will include advance warning systems for drivers, counselling before entry into high-risk stretches and coordinated safety campaigns by transport and police departments.
Calling the Adoshi incident a “serious warning,” Sarnaik underlined that overspeeding, negligent driving and lapses in vehicle maintenance will not be tolerated. He has further directed departments to prepare a long-term action plan to reduce highway accidents and submit it before the upcoming state budget session.
The government, he said, is committed to ensuring safer highways through stricter regulation, better monitoring and continuous driver awareness initiatives.
