Pune : More than one lakh motorists who were caught up in a massive traffic gridlock on Mumbai-Pune Expressway earlier this month after a gas tanker mishap will get toll refund cumulatively valued at Rs 5.16 crore. On February 3, a gas tanker turned turtle on the Khopoli stretch of the Expressway, leading to a 33-hour disruption which saw traffic come to a standstill for several kilometres, leaving many motorists and passengers facing shortage of basic amenities like water.
The administration had ordered an immediate suspension of toll collection. However, by then, toll charges had already been deducted from the FASTag accounts of several motorists. It has been decided to refund the entire amount collected from vehicle owners even after the order to halt toll collection was issued. The refund of Rs 5.16 crore will be processed by MSRDC. The refund will cover toll collected on both highways and the toll operator has been asked to furnish detailed FASTag transaction data, he said.
Some transactions may have been automatically processed before the toll plaza barriers were fully opened despite instructions to stop collection. The chaos began after a propylene gas tanker overturned near Khopoli on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on February 3. The accident triggered a traffic jam that lasted over 32 hours, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded. Commuters had little access to food, water, or other basic necessities as vehicles remained stuck for long hours. The situation worsened as traffic piled up along the busy stretch, affecting movement on connected routes as well.
Following the mishap, MSRDC had ordered that toll collection be halted. However, it is learned that some toll deductions continued until toll barriers were physically opened. The refunds will cover toll charges collected not only on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway but also on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway during this period.
Read Also : Bomb Threats Hit Army Delhi Public Schools and Air Force Bal Bharti
