Eknath Shinde Orders Toll Waiver on Mumbai-Pune Expressway Amid Massive Traffic Jam
MUMBAI — A massive traffic gridlock hit the Mumbai-Pune Expressway since early Friday morning, prompting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to order an immediate toll waiver for stranded vehicles. Thousands of travellers headed toward Pune, Lonavala, Goa, Satara, and Nashik faced severe disruptions as the long weekend rush, combined with intense summer heat, caused significant delays.
Traffic Chaos and Heat-Related Breakdowns
The gridlock was exacerbated after 10 to 12 vehicles broke down in the intense heat, bringing traffic to a near standstill. The situation was particularly severe in the Lonavala ghat section, where vehicle queues stretched up to 3 to 4 kilometres on the Mumbai-bound lane, while the Pune-bound carriageway also witnessed major disruptions.
Taking note of the chaos, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde directed authorities to stop toll collection for vehicles stuck in the jam. The move aims to provide relief to commuters who have been stranded on the expressway for three to four hours in extreme temperatures.
Eknath Shinde – वाहतूक कोंडीमुळे टोलमुक्त प्रवास करण्याचे एकनाथ शिंदेंचा आदेश
— Jai Maharashtra News (@JaiMaharashtraN) May 1, 2026
मुंबई-पुणे महामार्गावर ट्रॅफिक; शिंदेंचे टोल फ्री व तात्काळ क्लिअरचे आदेश
सकाळपासून मुंबई पुणे महामार्गावर ट्राफिक असल्याकारणाने उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे यांचे अधिकाऱ्यांना आदेश
महामार्गावर पोलीस… pic.twitter.com/GKZ8SeXyqX
Missing Link Project Inauguration
The announcement came during the inauguration of the much-awaited Missing Link Project. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar. Despite the inauguration intended to improve connectivity, the timing coincided with the peak rush hours.
The chaos also impacted prominent public figures, with Member of Parliament Supriya Sule getting caught in the traffic for nearly three to four hours. She shared a video on social media, highlighting the grim highway situation.
Lingering Concerns on the Mumbai-Goa Highway
The traffic woes were not confined to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Long queues were also reported on the Mumbai-Goa Highway across Kolad, Indapur, and Mangaon, as thousands of Mumbaikars headed toward the Konkan region for the holiday weekend.
While the newly opened Missing Link project is designed to improve connectivity, commuters are increasingly frustrated over the long-delayed Mumbai-Goa Highway project, pending for over 14 years, questioning when it will finally reach completion.
