Mumbai–Pune Expressway Toll Shut After Commuters Stranded in Traffic for Over 20 Hours

A gas-carrying tanker met with an accident on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway on the Mumbai-bound carriageway, triggering massive traffic chaos. The tanker overturned near the Adoshi tunnel around 5 pm on Tuesday, leading to a complete disruption of traffic movement. Since then, commuters have been stranded for nearly 21–22 hours, with the congestion still unresolved. Passengers stuck in the jam are facing severe difficulties, prompting the state government to consider suspending toll collection. “I have immediately instructed that toll should not be collected until traffic becomes smooth,” said Minister of State Indranil Naik.

Speaking to ABP News, Minister of State Indranil Naik acknowledged the hardship faced by commuters. “It is absolutely true that people who are travelling are suffering immensely. I spoke to the Public Works Department and the Roads Secretary a short while ago. They have been asked to convey detailed information to the Chief Minister through me. This is something I have personally experienced as well, as I was once stuck in a similar situation,” he said. He added that heavy traffic flow and delays in the missing link project had worsened the situation, calling the suffering of commuters a harsh reality.

Drone Visual Of Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic:

Drone visuals show massive traffic congestion at the Pune -Mumbai Expressway near the Adoshi Tunnel following an accident. Long queues of vehicles have caused heavy delays for commuters.#PuneMumbaiExpressway#TrafficJam#RoadAccidentpic.twitter.com/IQUOnAnPtr

— Lokmat Times Nagpur (@LokmatTimes_ngp) February 4, 2026

Also Read: Pune to Mumbai ST Bus Services Cancelled Amid Severe Traffic Jam on Expressway

Emphasising the need for urgent intervention, Naik said a quick and permanent solution was necessary. “For the past 21–22 hours, what has happened is certainly wrong. We are in constant touch with the PWD and the Home Secretary to ensure the route is cleared at the earliest. A long-term solution must be worked out,” he said. When questioned on why toll was being collected despite such circumstances, Naik responded, “I will immediately initiate action and instruct officials not to collect toll,” making the government’s stance clear.

The accident occurred near the Adoshi tunnel when a gas tanker overturned at 5 pm on February 3. Due to gas leakage from the tanker, authorities halted traffic as a precautionary measure, bringing Mumbai-bound traffic to a standstill. Even after 22 hours, Pune-bound traffic remains severely affected. Travellers have been advised to use alternative routes. One route is via Chandni Chowk–Tamhini Ghat–Raigad–Mumbai (Pune–Pirangut–Paud–Mulshi–Tamhini Ghat–Varachiwadi–Saje–Nandgaon–Pali–Pedli–Durshet–Umbare–Mumbai–Pune Highway). Another option is via Ale Phata–Malshej Ghat–Thane route to Mumbai.