Pune-Mumbai Expressway: Illegal No-Entry Driving to Evade Toll Raises Safety Concerns Near Somatane
Pune, 29th June 2026 : Illegal entry of vehicles through no-entry lanes to evade toll charges at the Somatane Toll Plaza on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway has emerged as a serious safety concern, with authorities warning that the practice is significantly increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
According to officials, the number of vehicles entering the expressway from the wrong direction has risen sharply since the relocation of the Usen Toll Booth. Motorists travelling from Maval towards Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are reportedly using the exit lanes at Usen and Somatane as an unauthorized shortcut to avoid paying toll charges.
The situation has become more alarming with heavy tipper trucks also using the same illegal route. Drivers heading towards Kiwale, Mamurdi and Ravet are allegedly entering through no-entry lanes, posing a serious threat to vehicles travelling at high speed on the expressway.
Officials from IRB, which manages the Somatane Toll Plaza, along with the Highway Police, have expressed concern over the increasing number of violations. They warned that motorists driving against the designated traffic flow endanger not only themselves but also thousands of commuters using the expressway every day.
Police have stated that strict legal action will be taken against drivers found violating highway traffic regulations.
Authorities have also raised concerns over overloaded tipper trucks transporting sand and gravel from Mangrul and Ambale in Maval to Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ravet and Tathawade. Many of these vehicles allegedly carry loads beyond the permitted capacity without tarpaulin covers, causing construction material to spill onto the road and creating dust hazards that affect two-wheeler riders.
Another issue highlighted by officials is the absence or concealment of registration number plates on several tipper trucks. In many cases, number plates are either missing or deliberately blackened, making it difficult for CCTV cameras to identify the vehicles and for authorities to initiate action following accidents or traffic violations.
Residents and regular commuters have urged the Highway Police, Talegaon Dabhade Traffic Department and IRB to launch a joint enforcement drive against motorists violating traffic rules.
Local transport operators have reportedly submitted written complaints to the Talegaon MIDC and Vadgaon Police Stations, demanding strict action against transporters and drivers who continue to ignore safety norms despite repeated instructions to cover construction material with tarpaulins.
Citizens have called for immediate enforcement measures, including increased surveillance and regular checking, to prevent accidents and improve road safety on one of Maharashtra’s busiest expressways.
