Mumbai-Pune Expressway Toll Refund Promised After the 32-Hour Gridlock Following Gas Tanker Accident
In a major relief for thousands of commuters who endured a harrowing 32-hour gridlock on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, IRB Infrastructure has officially assured a full refund of toll charges collected during the crisis. The decision comes after intense public outcry and political pressure following one of the longest traffic snarls in the highway’s history.
A “Moving Bomb” and 32 Hours of Chaos
The ordeal began at approximately 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when a tanker carrying 21,000 kg of highly flammable propylene gas overturned near the Adoshi Tunnel in the Khandala Ghat section. Due to the high risk of an explosion, with leaks detected at three separate points, authorities were forced to shut down the Mumbai-bound corridor completely.
What followed was a systemic collapse. The gridlock stretched over 25 km, leaving motorists, including families with infants and senior citizens, stranded without food, water, or access to sanitation for over a day.
The Toll Controversy: Paying for a “Parking Lot”
Despite the expressway being effectively rendered a “parking lot,” the Khalapur toll plaza reportedly continued to collect fees from vehicles entering the zone of congestion. This move drew sharp criticism from commuters and activists alike, who argued that charging for a blocked road was both unethical and a violation of National Highway rules.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by the directives of Raj Thackeray, took an aggressive stance on the issue. MNS representatives met with officials from IRB Infrastructure, the MSRDC, and the Highway Police at the Khalapur plaza on February 14-15 to demand accountability.
IRB Toll Refund: How and When?
Following the high-stakes meeting, IRB Infrastructure representatives gave a written assurance that toll charges collected from motorists stuck during the 32-hour block would be refunded.
Key details of the assurance include:
- Refund Eligibility: Motorists who paid the toll at the Khalapur plaza during the specific window of the gridlock (starting Feb 3).
- Timeline: IRB has indicated that the process to facilitate these refunds will be initiated within the next eight days.
- Process: While a digital portal or Fastag-based reversal is expected, the exact technical mechanism for the Mumbai-Pune Expressway toll refund process is currently being finalized and will be notified shortly.
Demands for Better Facilities
The meeting also brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure on India’s premier expressway. MNS leaders highlighted the absence of:
- Emergency evacuation points and helipads for medical crises.
- Breastfeeding rooms and clean toilets for women and children.
- Effective communication systems to stop vehicles at entry points during accidents.
As the MSRDC toll policy 2026 comes under the scanner, commuters are now waiting to see if this refund sets a precedent for highway accountability in India.
