A car fire inside the Mumbai Coastal Road tunnel on Thursday morning brought traffic to a complete standstill, leaving commuters stranded in both directions. The incident, reported in the southbound section near Tardeo, forced authorities to shut the tunnel entirely for safety, resulting in extensive congestion and long vehicle queues across adjacent routes.
Mumbai Traffic Police confirmed the blaze prompted immediate action, with two fire engines deployed to the scene via the Breach Candy exit, which was temporarily closed to vehicles. Firefighters successfully contained the flames, preventing any spread within the tunnel. No casualties were reported as of the latest update. Officials highlighted that the thick smoke from the fire posed a significant risk to motorists, prompting the full closure. “Traffic movement is stopped at Coastal Road southbound and northbound due to a car fire,” the Mumbai Traffic Police posted on their social platform.
The shutdown created severe disruption during peak morning hours, affecting office commuters and daily travellers across the city’s southern corridor. Vehicles were backed up for several kilometres as police diverted traffic to adjoining roads to mitigate congestion. Commuters on social media shared visuals of the blockage, reporting long delays and vehicles being turned back from the tunnel entrance. Traffic experts noted that incidents of this nature underscore the critical importance of tunnel safety infrastructure, emergency response readiness, and efficient traffic management. “Urban tunnels require robust fire safety measures and clear emergency protocols to minimise commuter disruption,” said a senior official from Mumbai Traffic Management.
The Mumbai Coastal Road, one of the city’s key expressways, links major southern and central zones and serves as a vital artery for daily traffic. Any disruption here has cascading effects across surrounding roads, highlighting the necessity for resilient urban transport planning and emergency preparedness in densely populated city corridors. Authorities have urged commuters to remain patient and follow diversion instructions until normal traffic resumes. Investigations into the cause of the car fire are underway, with a focus on vehicle inspection compliance, road safety audits, and tunnel maintenance protocols.
This incident also reignites discussions about sustainable urban transport infrastructure in Mumbai. Experts stress that city planning must consider emergency access, fire control systems, and commuter safety alongside mobility enhancements, aiming for safer, eco-friendly, and equitable transport networks.
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