Mumbai–Pune Expressway Halted After Gas Tanker Mishap, Collector to Frame Safety Rules
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 5th February 2026: The accident involving a propylene gas tanker near the Adoshi tunnel on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has raised serious questions about the administration’s emergency response system. The leakage of highly flammable gas forced authorities to shut down the highway for several hours, leaving thousands of motorists stranded and causing widespread distress among commuters.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening (February 3) in the Bor Ghat section near the Adoshi tunnel, where a tanker transporting propylene gas overturned. Following the accident, gas began leaking from the vehicle. As a precaution, all traffic heading towards Mumbai was halted at Lonavala. This led to massive congestion on the expressway, with vehicles stuck for hours.
With no arrangements for drinking water, toilets or alternative routes, drivers and passengers were left to fend for themselves, leading to anger and frustration among those trapped in the traffic jam.
Responding to criticism over the handling of the situation, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said that while normal accidents are addressed within 30 minutes, this case was different due to the hazardous nature of the cargo. “The gas was extremely flammable. Until a specialised team arrived, it was unsafe to take any action. That is why there was a delay,” he said.
Dudi added that a detailed report would be prepared and an inquiry conducted into the incident. He said the administration is considering specific safety protocols for vehicles transporting flammable gases, mandatory training for drivers, a rapid response system on the expressway, and arrangements for water, sanitation and diversion routes during such emergencies.
He also said awareness among gas tanker drivers coming from southern states is being considered to improve compliance with safety norms.
“We will take responsible steps to ensure that a situation where citizens are stranded for hours does not arise again,” the District Collector said.
