New Delhi: More than one lakh motorists stranded in a massive traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway earlier this month will receive toll refunds amounting to ₹5.16 crore. The decision comes after a 33 hour disruption caused by a gas tanker accident led to severe congestion along the Khopoli stretch.
On February 3, a gas tanker overturned on the expressway, bringing traffic to a standstill for several kilometres. Thousands of commuters were left stuck for hours, facing shortages of water, food and other essential supplies as authorities worked to clear the route and restore normal movement.
In the aftermath of the incident, officials ordered an immediate halt to toll collection. However, toll amounts had already been deducted from the FASTag accounts of many motorists before the suspension was fully implemented. Authorities have now decided to refund the entire amount collected after the directive to stop toll operations was issued.
The refund process, amounting to ₹5.16 crore in total, will be carried out by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The funds will be credited directly to the FASTag accounts of affected vehicle owners over the next few days.
Officials stated that some toll transactions were processed automatically before toll plaza barriers were completely opened, despite instructions to cease collection. All such transactions are currently under review to ensure that motorists are reimbursed accurately.
The refund will cover toll charges collected on both carriageways during the disruption period. Toll operators have been directed to submit detailed FASTag transaction records to facilitate verification and expedite the refund process, providing relief to commuters impacted by the prolonged traffic chaos.
