Reportedly, almost 10 kilometres’ long tunnel of the much awaited ‘missing link project’ along the Mumbai-Pune expressway (e-way) project has been classified under the ‘E’ category which is nearing to its completion and slated to open to traffic from May 1.
E Risk Assignment To Missing Link Tunnel
When it comes to the ‘E’ category, it is the highest risk classification for road tunnels and entails stringent restrictions on the movement of dangerous goods, according to the international ADR standards.
It appears that the tankers transporting petrol, diesel, gas and other inflammable fuels and hazardous chemicals will be barred from entering the tunnel as per these norms.
The decision follows a detailed safety assessment of the tunnel’s length, design and risk profile, said a senior official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), on condition of anonymity.
Further adding, “the missing link tunnel is more than 10 kilometres’ long and falls under the highest risk category as per ADR norms. In such long tunnels, any accident involving explosive or highly inflammable substances can have catastrophic consequences, including rapid fire spread, toxic smoke buildup and serious structural damage. Passenger safety is our top priority. Therefore, vehicles carrying petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG and other hazardous chemicals will not be allowed through the tunnel.”
Ensure Strict and Uniform Implementation of Restrictions
In this regard, the MSRDC is expected to issue official communication to the highway traffic police and the transport department to ensure strict and uniform implementation of the restriction very soon.
Moving ahead, the official noted, “Tanker operators will be instructed to continue using the existing ghat route. Nearly 2,000 fuel tankers use the expressway daily, and the new rule is aimed at ensuring that the travel experience for ordinary motorists becomes not only faster but significantly safer.”
The police department will also play a role as they will strictly enforce the restriction once the formal notification is received, said Tanaji Chikhale, Superintendent of Police (highway traffic).
Further, Chikhale added, “We welcome the safety-first approach adopted for the missing link. After the MSRDC issues the official order, we will deploy personnel at key entry and diversion points to ensure that vehicles ferrying hazardous material are stopped well in advance. Our teams will coordinate with transporters and tanker associations so that there is no confusion on the ground. Any violation will invite strict action. The objective is to prevent high-risk vehicles from entering the tunnel and to safeguard thousands of daily commuters.”
