Emergency Response Centre to Be Set Up at Borghat on Mumbai–Pune Expressway After 32-Hour Highway Closure

Pune: In a major development aimed at improving emergency response on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, a permanent emergency assistance centre will soon be established at Borghat. The decision was taken during a joint meeting between the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the Highway Safety Police (HSP). The process of identifying suitable land for the facility has already begun.

The move comes in the wake of a serious incident on February 3, when a tanker carrying the chemical gas propylene overturned on the expressway, forcing authorities to shut down traffic for more than 32 hours. Due to heavy congestion, emergency services faced delays in reaching the accident site. The incident exposed gaps in administrative coordination and emergency preparedness.

Following the disruption, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed MSRDC and concerned administrative agencies to take immediate corrective measures. As a result, officials decided to set up a permanent emergency response centre at Borghat.

The Borghat stretch, located between Khandala and Khopoli, spans approximately 18 to 20 kilometres and is considered highly accident-prone due to steep gradients, tunnels, and sharp curves. Reaching accident sites in this section often takes considerable time during emergencies.

The proposed centre will be equipped with heavy-duty cranes for vehicle recovery, fire-fighting systems, ambulances, patrol vehicles, water tankers, lighting systems, gas-handling equipment, a response unit, and trained manpower. Borghat has been selected due to its central geographical location on the expressway between Mumbai and Pune.

Officials stated that the centre will not be temporary but a permanent facility aimed at ensuring swift handling of emergencies, reducing prolonged traffic disruptions, and restoring normal movement as quickly as possible. A final decision regarding the land allocation will be taken soon, and further action will follow in the next review meeting, MSRDC officials said on condition of anonymity.

Superintendent of Police (Highway Traffic) Tanaji Chikhale said, “Accidents occur frequently in the Borghat area. This centre will prove extremely useful in providing immediate assistance during emergencies.”

He further added, “The Borghat emergency centre will enable faster response times and help prevent large-scale traffic congestion.”