According to Raigad Highway Police, the propylene gas leak from the overturned tanker at km 41 has been completely stopped. Rescue teams meticulously cleared the wreckage, restoring smooth traffic on both the expressway and NH-48.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos: the tanker flipped around 5 PM on February 3, unleashing flammable gas that necessitated an instant traffic blockade. In a swift multi-agency mobilization, highway cops, local police, firefighters, NDRF specialists, BPCL engineers, Help Foundation volunteers, and hazmat experts converged to tackle the volatile situation.

Sealing the leak proved a Herculean task, demanding round-the-clock vigilance. Victory came at dawn on February 5 when the flow was stemmed at 1:30 AM, allowing safe removal of the tanker. A official statement hailed the ‘unwavering commitment’ of all involved, ensuring no lives were lost.

The blockage caused epic gridlock, with commuters sharing harrowing stories online while authorities kept the public informed. With roads clear, officials warn against misinformation and call for vigilant driving. This close call spotlights ongoing safety challenges on high-speed expressways and the critical role of preparedness.

From August 21st, electric vehicles will be toll-free on the Atal Setu, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Samruddhi Mahamarg, among other toll plazas. The state government has already issued a notification for this. Previously, the toll for a car on the Atal Setu was Rs 250, which was to be in effect until December 2025. However, this toll has been completely waived for EV owners.

This decision follows the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy announced by the state government in April 2025. Under this policy, exemptions from tolls were granted to electric buses and private four-wheelers on major routes like the Atal Setu, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and Samruddhi Mahamarg. Additionally, electric cars are provided a 50 percent discount on other national and state highways.

According to Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, the necessary software for implementing the toll waiver for electric vehicles on Atal Setu has been prepared and was implemented on Friday. The facility will be available on the expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg within the next two days.

The benefit of this rule will only extend to private and government electric cars and buses. Electric goods vehicles will not be included in this exemption. The government believes this move will accelerate the adoption of EVs in both the public and private sectors, thus reducing reliance on conventional fuels.

The demand for electric vehicles is rapidly increasing in the Indian market. Official figures indicate that Mumbai has 22,400 registered EVs in the city and surrounding areas. This includes 18,400 light four-wheelers, 2,500 small passenger vehicles, 1,200 heavy passenger buses, and 300 medium passenger vehicles. On average, about 60,000 vehicles pass through the Atal Setu daily, with a significant number of electric vehicles among them.