Mumbai–Pune Expressway Restored After 32-Hour Shutdown Caused by Gas Tanker Accident Near Adoshi Tunnel
PUNE: Traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has gradually returned to normal after a massive disruption lasting nearly 32 hours, triggered by a gas tanker accident near the Adoshi Tunnel in the Borghat stretch of the Khandala ghat section in Raigad district.
The incident occurred around 4.45 pm on Tuesday when a tanker carrying highly flammable propylene gas overturned about 50 metres ahead of the Adoshi Tunnel on the Mumbai-bound carriageway. The tanker was damaged at multiple valve points, leading to a gas leak and raising serious safety concerns in the ghat section.
Following the leak, authorities immediately suspended traffic on the Mumbai-bound side of the expressway and temporarily halted movement towards Pune as a precautionary measure. The shutdown resulted in severe congestion, with traffic piling up from the Adoshi Tunnel to the Urse toll plaza, creating a jam stretching nearly 50 kilometres. Thousands of commuters were stranded overnight and through most of Wednesday.
Commuters Endure Long Ordeal
Those caught in the traffic snarl included families with children, senior citizens and patients travelling to Mumbai for urgent medical treatment. Many motorists reported being stuck for several hours without access to food, water or basic facilities.
Some travellers avoided the worst of the congestion after receiving alerts through social media and local updates. A resident of Viman Nagar said he turned back near the Urse toll plaza and travelled to Mumbai via the Tamhini Ghat route, while several others cancelled their trips altogether.
Rescue Operations and Diversions
Officials said the tanker overturned after the driver lost control while negotiating the downward slope near the tunnel. Rescue teams from multiple agencies, including disaster management units and fire services, rushed to the spot. However, initial efforts to plug the leak were unsuccessful, following which chemical experts were called in.
According to highway police, the transfer of gas from the damaged tanker to another vehicle was completed around 10.30 pm on Wednesday. The tanker was then safely removed using a crane by 1 am on Thursday.
During the operation, traffic towards Mumbai remained completely shut until Thursday morning, while limited movement was allowed towards Pune. One lane from the Pune-bound carriageway was temporarily opened by removing the median barrier to allow controlled movement of vehicles towards Mumbai.
Authorities diverted light vehicles via Khopoli from the Magic Point area and advised commuters to use alternate routes such as Tamhini Ghat, Malshej Ghat and Bhimashankar. Heavy vehicles were instructed to halt at designated lay-bys and food malls. Entry to the expressway was also stopped at the Kiwale junction in Pimpri Chinchwad to prevent further congestion.
Traffic Gradually Returns to Normal
After the damaged tanker was removed, traffic on the Pune-to-Mumbai lane was resumed at a slow pace. Officials said vehicle movement is steadily improving and the expressway is gradually returning to normal operations after being declared safe.
While traffic is still moving cautiously in some stretches, authorities have confirmed that the worst of the disruption is over, bringing relief to thousands of stranded motorists after a prolonged and exhausting ordeal.
