Pune, 4th February 2026: Traffic movement on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and the old Pune–Mumbai highway (NH-48) remains suspended even after more than 12 hours following a gas tanker accident near the Adoshi Tunnel. A toxic gas leak from the overturned tanker is still ongoing, forcing authorities to halt traffic for safety reasons.
According to the Highway Police, congestion on the Pune–Mumbai route is expected to continue for several more hours until the gas leak is fully neutralised. “Traffic is still closed as toxic gas is leaking from the tanker. The situation remains risky,” said Tanaji Chikhale, Superintendent of Police, Highways.
An urgent traffic advisory was issued on wednesday morning, warning commuters to completely avoid the Lonavala–Khandala ghat section, where diverted traffic has caused severe bottlenecks. Authorities have redirected vehicles through longer ghat routes such as Tamhini and Malshej, which may add several hours to travel time.
Police have also advised motorists to ensure sufficient fuel, water, and food before taking alternate routes. Heavy vehicles have been asked to remain parked at safe locations until the leak is brought under control.
For passengers without private vehicles, railway services such as the Intercity Express, Deccan Queen, and Sinhagad Express remain the only unaffected mode of transport between the two cities.
URGENT TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Mumbai-Pune Corridor
Issued: February 4, 2026 | Status: Critical Congestion
Due to a major gas tanker accident and ongoing leak near Adoshi Tunnel, traffic on both the Expressway and Old Highway (NH-48) is severely disrupted. Authorities have implemented safety halts. Commuters are strongly advised to avoid the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section entirely.
🗺️ Recommended Alternative Routes
1. Tamhini Ghat Route : South Mumbai / Navi Mumbai - Pune → Paud → Tamhini Ghat → Mangaon → Indapur → Mumbai.
2. Malshej Ghat Route : Thane / Kalyan / Suburbs - Pune → Chakan → Narayangaon → Malshej Ghat → Murbad → Kalyan → Mumbai.
3. Bhimashankar / Manchar : North Mumbai / Palghar - Pune → Manchar → Junnar → Malshej stretch.
⚠️ Important Instructions for Citizens
* Avoid the Ghats: Do not attempt to use the Khandala/Lonavala exits; these are currently bottlenecked with diverted traffic.
* Fuel & Supplies: The alternative routes via Tamhini or Malshej add 3–5 hours to your journey. Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel and carry sufficient water and food.
* Heavy Vehicles: All heavy vehicles are requested to park at the nearest available lay-bys or food malls until the gas leak is neutralized.
* Use Railways: If your travel is not by a private vehicle, the Intercity Express, Deccan Queen, or Sinhagad Express are the only unaffected modes of transport between the two cities today.
