Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic: Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic, What are the Best Alternative Routes for Travelers?

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Due to a severe accident near the Adoshi tunnel on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at 5 PM on Tuesday, millions of travelers are facing immense difficulties. The driver lost control of a tanker filled with the flammable gas Propolene heading from Pune towards Mumbai, and it overturned. After the accident, gas leakage started from the tanker, and for safety reasons, traffic on the highway was immediately stopped. This has resulted in vehicle queues stretching 15 to 20 kilometers in both directions.

The fire brigade, police, and company expert engineers have arrived at the scene, and efforts are underway to completely stop the gas leak. As the gas is rapidly spreading in the air, the power supply in the area has been cut off. Currently, one lane towards Mumbai and two lanes towards Pune have slow-moving traffic. However, the old Mumbai-Pune highway (NH-48) is also completely jammed due to vehicles diverted from the expressway.

The administration has advised travelers to avoid the Lonavala Ghat and has suggested alternative routes. One can choose the route via Tamhini Ghat: Pune-Paud-Mulshi-Tamhini Ghat-Mangaon-Indapur-Pen-Mumbai, which is slightly longer but unobstructed. For Kalyan-Thane, the Pune-Chakan-Rajgurunagar-Narayangaon-Malshej Ghat-Murbad-Kalyan route will be useful. Those heading to North Mumbai or Palghar should turn towards Malshej Ghat via Pune-Manchar-Junnar.

Important instructions have been issued by the administration. Keep the windows of the car closed while passing through areas with gas leaks and run the AC in internal circulation mode. Fill up the fuel tank completely, as the journey may increase by 3 to 6 hours. Keep water and dry snacks with you, as facilities on alternative routes are limited. Heavy vehicles are instructed to park at food malls or on the side of the highway.

Due to the current situation, as road travel is uncertain, it is advised to rely on railways between Pune and Mumbai. There are no changes in the schedule of trains like Deccan Queen, Sinhagad Express, Intercity, and Pragati Express. The police administration has appealed to remain alert and check traffic updates until the operations at the accident site are completed.