Mumbai-Pune Expressway Gridlock Forces Industrialist to Take Helicopter After 8-Hour Wait
PUNE: A severe traffic disruption on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway left countless commuters stranded for over 18 hours, compelling prominent industrialist Dr Sudhir Mehta to resort to a helicopter flight back to Pune following an exhausting eight-hour wait. The chaos unfolded after a gas tanker met with an accident, creating massive safety concerns and bringing vehicular movement to a complete standstill.
Industrialist's Social Media Posts Highlight Crisis
In detailed posts on social media platform X, Dr Mehta expressed his frustration and concern about the situation. He wrote, "Lacs of people are stuck on the #Mumbai #Pune expressway for the last 18 hours for 'one gas tanker.' Tired of too many ads? Go ad-free now. For such emergencies, we need to plan exits at different points on expressway which can be opened to allow vehicles to return."
Dr Mehta further proposed practical solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. He suggested, "Helipads cost less than Rs 10 lacs to make and require less than one acre of open area. These need to be mandatory at various points near the expressway for emergency evacuation."
Gratitude and On-Ground Reality
Thanking those who assisted him during the ordeal, Dr Mehta added, "@nitinwelde thanks for your help to get back to Pune today after being stuck for 8 hours." Describing the alarming on-ground situation, the industrialist said, "This is the state of the #Mumbai #Pune highway. Complete free for all including wrong side driving. The lifeline of connectivity for the region is deteriorating by the day."
He also emphasized the risks involved, stating, "Travelling on the same is playing roulette on one's life plus 7 hours to reach."
Details of the Accident and Traffic Nightmare
The accident occurred approximately 50 meters ahead of a tunnel in the Borghat stretch of the Khandala ghat section in Raigad district. Immediately after the crash, gas began leaking from the damaged tanker, triggering serious safety concerns. Vehicular traffic was halted on both carriageways—towards Mumbai and Pune—for several hours, resulting in a massive traffic snarl stretching several kilometers.
Commuters were left stranded through the night and most of Wednesday. According to highway police, it was only around 10:30 PM that the gas was safely transferred from the damaged tanker to another vehicle. After the tanker was removed using a crane, the Mumbai-bound carriageway was reopened for traffic after 1 AM on Thursday.
Broader Implications and Urban Infrastructure Concerns
This incident highlights critical issues in urban infrastructure and emergency preparedness on one of India's busiest expressways. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway serves as a vital economic corridor, and such prolonged disruptions not only inconvenience travelers but also impact commercial activities and regional connectivity.
The suggestions put forth by Dr Mehta regarding emergency exits and helipads underscore the need for proactive measures to handle similar crises in the future. As urban centers expand and traffic volumes increase, ensuring robust emergency response mechanisms becomes paramount to safeguard public safety and maintain smooth transportation networks.
