FASTag refunds announced after tanker accident caused Mumbai–Pune Expressway traffic chaos
Mumbai – Pune Expressway users affected by a prolonged traffic disruption earlier this month will receive toll refunds, with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) announcing compensation worth Rs. 5.16 crores. Officials said the amount will be credited directly to FASTag-linked accounts of more than one lakh motorists.
The traffic crisis began after a gas tanker overturned near the Adoshi Tunnel in the Khandala Ghat stretch, forcing authorities to implement emergency safety measures. The incident resulted in traffic being halted for over 33 hours, with congestion reportedly stretching close to 20 km by the following evening.
MSRDC stated that refunds will cover toll charges collected during the disruption period in both directions of the expressway. The reimbursement will also include certain affected sections of the Pune – Bengaluru National Highway. Toll operators have been instructed to share complete FASTag transaction records so eligible vehicles can be identified accurately.
Authorities noted that toll collection had been ordered to stop during the emergency, but electronic deductions briefly continued due to system delays. As a result, the government decided to return the entire amount collected during that window.
Emergency response teams including disaster management units and petroleum safety personnel were deployed to handle the overturned tanker and secure the area. Traffic heading towards Pune was diverted to the old Mumbai – Pune Highway while clearance operations were underway.
Motorists do not need to submit any application for reimbursement. The refund will be processed automatically using FASTag transaction data and credited back to the same accounts from which tolls were deducted. Vehicle owners are advised to monitor their FASTag statements over the next few days for the credit.
