
Mumbai, February 5: Traffic conditions remain dire on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, 32 hours after a gas tanker overturned and caught fire near the Adoshi Tunnel. Although the burnt tanker was removed from the road around 1:30 AM last night, severe congestion continues, with long lines of vehicles reported.
The incident has significantly impacted the lane heading towards Mumbai. Traffic police have halted vehicles at the Urse toll booth, redirecting them towards Pune to prevent further congestion. As a result, hundreds of drivers and passengers are stranded on the route. This measure was taken to spare travelers from additional delays.
The gas tanker overturned and ignited near the Adoshi Tunnel, producing flames so intense that the expressway had to remain closed for an extended period. Many travelers were stuck in traffic for nearly 21 hours. After the tanker was cleared late last night, traffic was partially reopened, but congestion persists even after 32 hours. Traffic police are currently working to manage the situation, but travelers are facing significant challenges.
Frustration is mounting among passengers and drivers. Many are accusing traffic and highway officials of failing to provide accurate information about the jam’s status. One traveler expressed that had they received timely updates, they could have avoided the toll and unnecessary expenses.
Nitesh Kamble, a passenger, shared his experience with a news agency, stating, “We left for Mumbai yesterday afternoon, but due to the traffic jam, we had to stop here overnight. We hoped conditions would improve by morning, but today the situation remains unchanged. All vehicles are being forced to make a U-turn at the toll. We have been stuck here since yesterday with no clear information.”