Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has suspended all ST bus services operating from Pune to Mumbai after traffic on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway came to a complete standstill following a chemical tanker accident near the Adoshi tunnel. The decision was taken as traffic congestion has continued for nearly 20 hours, causing severe inconvenience to passengers and raising safety concerns. According to officials, a gas tanker overturned near the Adoshi tunnel on Tuesday evening around 5 pm, leading to a major gas leak. As a precautionary measure, authorities completely halted vehicular movement on both the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai–Pune Highway. With traffic remaining paralysed and long queues of vehicles still stretching on both sides, MSRTC decided to cancel all ST bus services for the next few hours.
All ST buses travelling from Pune towards Mumbai Central, Dadar, Thane and Borivali have been cancelled until further notice. The ST administration stated that bus operations will resume only after traffic conditions normalise and the route is declared safe for travel. Passengers have been advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to stay updated through official MSRTC announcements.
For commuters who must travel between Pune and Mumbai using private vehicles, traffic police have suggested the following alternative routes:
Pune – Paud – Tamhini Ghat – Kolad – Mangaon – Panvel
Pune – Bhor – Varandha Ghat – Mahad – Mangaon – Panvel
Pune – Satara – Wai – Poladpur – Mahad – Panvel
Pune – Nashik – Igatpuri – Kasara – Thane
Authorities have also released important advisories for commuters amid the disruption. Travellers have been urged to steer clear of the Khandala and Lonavala exits, as these stretches are witnessing severe congestion due to traffic diversions. People planning to travel are advised to ensure they have adequate fuel, along with enough drinking water and food, before setting out. Heavy vehicles have been directed to stop at designated safe parking zones or food malls nearby until the traffic situation eases. Meanwhile, railway services such as the Deccan Queen, Intercity Express and Sinhagad Express continue to be the most dependable travel option between Mumbai and Pune.
Traffic authorities have appealed to commuters to cooperate, follow traffic advisories, and avoid the affected routes until further notice. Emergency teams are continuing efforts to control the gas leakage and clear the affected stretch, while authorities monitor the situation to restore normal movement at the earliest.