Lonavala, Feb 4 (AHN) Commuters on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway were facing a gruelling ordeal as a massive traffic jam had paralysed the highway following a chemical tanker accident. Long queues of vehicles have formed on both sides of the expressway, leaving thousands of passengers stranded for several hours.

The accident occurred on Tuesday evening around 5.00 p.m. near the Adoshi Tunnel in the Khandala Ghat section. A tanker carrying hazardous chemicals overturned on the Mumbai-bound corridor. Due to the leakage of highly flammable gas from the overturned vehicle, emergency systems were immediately put on high alert.

As a safety precaution, the Highway State Police (HSP) shut down the Mumbai-bound lane to prevent any fire hazards. The closure of both the Expressway and the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway has resulted in a complete standstill, with vehicle queues stretching over 25 kilometres.

The Highway Police have issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid travelling on the expressway on Wednesday if possible, as restoration work is being carried out on a war footing.

The blockage has left travellers in a dire situation. Many have been stuck in their vehicles since 3.00 a.m. Reports indicate that several passengers have missed their flights, and some cancer patients travelling for treatment were also caught in the gridlock. Stranded commuters have complained about the lack of basic amenities.

"We pay heavy tolls to use this highway, yet it remains shut for hours during emergencies without adequate management," questioned one frustrated driver.

There is a growing shortage of food, drinking water, and access to sanitation facilities along the stretch. Emergency response teams and the Highway Police are working to clear the leakage and remove the tanker. However, until the flammable gas is fully contained and the vehicle is towed, the Mumbai-bound lane remains restricted, and it will take several more hours for the traffic flow to return to normal.

The Highway police have urged commuters to avoid the route. Efforts to remove the overturned tanker are still underway. Because of the gas leak risk, the process is slow and delicate. Due to the shutdown at the Borghat section (Kilometre 41), police suggest using the following detours: Tamhini Ghat Route: Chandni Chowk - Pirangut - Paud - Mulshi - Tamhini Ghat - Raigad - Pali - Umbare - and then merging back onto the Expressway towards Mumbai. The police have also suggested the Malshej Ghat Route: Alephata - Malshej Ghat - Thane - Mumbai.

"Work is ongoing to remove the vehicle involved in the accident. A block has been implemented, and we are working to normalise traffic. Currently, only single-lane traffic is allowed," stated Sachin Hire, Police Inspector of Khopoli Police Station.

One traveller from Latur shared, "I was taking my friend to Mumbai for cancer treatment scheduled for 8.00 a.m. We have been stuck since 4.00 a.m. This delay will directly impact his treatment."

Passengers have criticised the administration for the lack of drinking water and food, noting that children and the elderly are suffering the most. “The government collects tolls for 'fast travel', so why aren't there better emergency systems?" asked one frustrated commuter. "We've been stuck for hours -- will the administration waive our toll now?"