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The Mumbai–Pune commute has been completely disrupted after massive traffic congestion crippled the Mumbai–Pune Expressway for over 15 hours since Tuesday, February 3. The chaos began after a chemical tanker overturned, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded for hours. Officials said traffic queues stretched beyond 50 kilometres, bringing movement between the two cities to a grinding halt. What is typically a 3.5-hour drive turned into an exhausting ordeal for commuters, with passengers stuck overnight and emergency services struggling to manage the worsening situation on one of Maharashtra’s busiest highways. One lane on the expressway still remains shut after the accident.According to officials, limited one-way traffic has been allowed amid the crisis. The accident took place around 5 pm near the Adoshi Tunnel in the Khopoli area when a tanker carrying highly flammable gas overturned. Gas leakage was reported soon after, forcing authorities to suspend traffic towards Mumbai entirely as a precautionary measure. The spill led to severe congestion, affecting both the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and the Old Mumbai–Pune Highway. Vehicles were reportedly lined up for nearly 40 to 50 kilometres, worsening commuter distress.The expressway has remained choked for more than 15 hours, prompting police to urge citizens to avoid using the route on Wednesday. Clearance operations near the Adoshi Tunnel are still underway, but the tanker has not yet been removed, allowing only single-lane movement. Google Maps continues to show the stretch as blocked, especially near kilometre 41 on the Mumbai-bound lane in the Borghat section. Highway Police warned that congestion may continue in both directions and advised travellers to choose alternate routes.Recommended Alternative Routes• Tamhini Ghat Route (via Raigad):Pune → Pirangut → Paud → Mulshi → Tamhini Ghat → Varchiwadi → Saje → Nandgaon → Pali → Pedli → Durshet → Umbare → Mumbai• Malshej Ghat Route (via Thane):Pune → Chakan → Narayangaon → Malshej Ghat → Murbad → Kalyan → Mumbai• Bhimashankar / Manchar Route (for North Mumbai / Palghar):Pune → Manchar → Junnar → Malshej stretch → MumbaiAlso Read: Mumbai: Chaos, Overcrowding Caught on Camera at Borivali Mall's RooftopAuthorities noted that reverse routes should be used for travel from Mumbai to Pune. All diversions involve detours exceeding 50 kilometres and may add several hours to travel time.Officials also issued key advisories for commuters. Citizens have been asked to avoid Khandala and Lonavala exits, which are heavily congested due to diversions. Travellers are advised to carry sufficient fuel, drinking water, and food before starting their journey. Heavy vehicles have been instructed to halt at nearby safe parking areas or food malls until traffic conditions improve. Railway services, including the Deccan Queen, Intercity Express, and Sinhagad Express, continue to remain the most reliable mode of travel between Mumbai and Pune.Police Inspector Sachin Hire, in charge of Khopoli Police Station, said efforts are ongoing to remove the overturned tanker and restore traffic flow. Despite this, anger among commuters continues to rise as the vehicle remains uncleared even after 15 hours. One lane remains shut for safety reasons, leaving several travellers, including cancer patients, stranded without food, water, or restroom access. Social media platforms are flooded with complaints, as a routine journey between India’s two major cities has turned into a day-long ordeal.

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