Pune–Mumbai Expressway Gridlock: Tanker Driver Booked Amidst Calls for Systemic Overhaul

Pune, 9th February 2026: A severe traffic standstill on the Pune–Mumbai Expressway earlier this month has reignited concerns over highway safety and emergency response, after police lodged a case against the driver of a gas tanker that triggered a 32-hour gridlock.

Tanker Driver Faces FIR: Authorities confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Khopoli police station in Raigad district against Ratan Singh Uday Narayan Singh (44), a resident of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Singh has been charged with dangerous driving and negligence, which allegedly endangered public safety.

The tanker, carrying highly flammable propylene gas from Kochi to Gujarat, overturned near the Adoshi tunnel on February 3 at approximately 5 pm. Police said the vehicle was reportedly speeding while descending a slope, causing the driver to lose control. Both Singh and the tanker’s cleaner were injured and are receiving treatment at a private hospital in Navi Mumbai.

The accident caused the Mumbai-bound carriageway to come to a complete halt, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for over 32 hours. Reports highlighted extreme hardship: people were trapped without access to food, water, toilets, or medical support. Traffic movement resumed only on the morning of February 5, following extensive clearance operations and safety checks.

While the FIR targets the driver, civil society groups and commuters are questioning whether systemic lapses contributed to the prolonged disruption. Concerns have been raised about whether agencies such as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Highway Police, Fire and Disaster Management authorities, and other administrative bodies fulfilled their highway safety and emergency response responsibilities.

Experts warn that focusing solely on the driver risks overlooking governance failures, inadequate monitoring, and emergency preparedness gaps that amplified the impact of the accident. Authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing to assess any lapses in safety protocols, transport regulations, and response coordination.

The incident highlights the dangers inherent in transporting hazardous materials and underscores the need for robust, coordinated highway management systems. Observers say the findings from the ongoing probe could inform policy revisions and operational improvements aimed at preventing similar disruptions and safeguarding commuters in the future.