In a scene of unprecedented chaos, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway witnessed a traffic nightmare on the midnight of 8th March, with long queues of vehicles stretching till Bhor Ghat & Lonavala side. The lack of lane discipline, breakdowns, and heavy traffic congestion left commuters stranded for hours, including ambulances and even the convoy of a government minister.
The ordeal began at 3:55 am on Friday (8th), causing major disruptions in the flow of traffic. The situation escalated due to the breakdown of several vehicles, with reports of malfunctioning cars and trucks blocking the expressway lanes. Bhor Ghat on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, in particular, experienced queues extending up to a staggering 15 kilometers.
In a concerning development, the absence of an effective response from the Bhor Ghat Kaksha Toll-Free Number further exacerbated the situation, leaving stranded commuters without assistance. The negligence of highway police, as alleged by affected travelers, added to the frustrations of those caught in the traffic snarl.
Ambulances, carrying critically ill patients, found themselves stuck amidst the vehicular gridlock, raising serious concerns about the impact on emergency medical services. The gravity of the situation prompted the diversion of the minister’s convoy through the old Pune Mumbai highway in a bid to escape the traffic gridlock.
The chaotic scene, compounded by the breakdown of numerous vehicles and the lack of traffic management, underscores the urgent need for measures to improve the efficiency and safety of this vital expressway.
