Aerial Images Show Massive Traffic Jam on Mumbai–Pune Expressway

Aerial visuals captured from a helicopter have revealed the massive scale of the traffic jam on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, one of Maharashtra’s busiest highways. The images, taken over the Khandala Ghat stretch, show long lines of vehicles completely stuck, turning the expressway into what looks like a huge parking lot.

The photographs were taken on Wednesday afternoon near the Khalapur toll plaza close to Khopoli in Raigad district. From the air, the severity of the situation is clearly visible, with vehicles standing bumper to bumper for several kilometres. The traffic stretch appears far longer than what commuters can see from the ground.

The traffic congestion began after a tanker carrying propylene gas overturned near the Adoshi Tunnel on Tuesday around 5 pm. Since then, the situation has continued to worsen. Officials say the traffic backlog has extended up to the Kiwale area in Pimpri-Chinchwad, affecting almost the entire expressway.

Despite efforts to divert vehicles, traffic movement has remained completely stalled. The aerial visuals show all three lanes packed with heavy trucks, buses, commercial vehicles and cars. Many commuters have been stranded for more than 16 hours without any significant movement.

Why Traffic Has Not Cleared Yet

Mumbai Pune Expressway is the most badly managed road with a very very high toll in our country.

Thousands stranded daily in Khandala stretch

Crores of rupees lost in fuel and breakdown of Vehicles. pic.twitter.com/IAmFS2llOp

— Atul Modani (@atulmodani) February 3, 2026

Authorities say the delay is due to the continued leakage of propylene gas from the overturned tanker. The gas is highly flammable, and even a small spark from a vehicle could cause a serious explosion. Because of this risk, movement near the accident site has been strictly stopped for safety reasons.

As a result, the expressway remains fully closed. The impact has also been felt on the Old Mumbai–Pune Highway (NH-48), where heavy traffic congestion has been reported as vehicles try to take alternate routes.

Mumbai Pune express Highway.
I was stuck on this for 8 plus hours.They have finally starred clearing traffic and opened a single lane from around 12.30 to 1am

Crew and police working Hard to ensure this leak is taken Care of pic.twitter.com/6blIwAt6af

— Vighnesh Rane (@Vighrane01) February 3, 2026

Situation Worse Seen From the Air

The helicopter visuals highlight how serious the situation is. The expressway is surrounded by hills and deep valleys, leaving no space for vehicles to turn around or exit. Officials have said traffic restrictions will continue until the gas leak is completely controlled and the tanker is safely removed, leaving thousands of motorists stuck for hours.