NHAI Restricts Flammable Goods Vehicles From Delhi-Mumbai Expressway's Kota Tunnel; Announces Alternate Routes
For the safety of passengers, NHAI has completely banned vehicles loaded with inflammable substances like chemicals, gas and petrol in the 4.9 KM long tunnel of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Kota.
Kota: A complete ban has been imposed on all vehicles carrying flammable and hazardous materials entering the 4.9-kilometer-long tunnel located in Kota district on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Giving top priority to the safety of passengers' lives and property, the National Highways Authority of India has taken the major and tough decision.
What did NHAI say?
According to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the entry of all the vehicles having hazardous and flammable substances has been banned in the 4.9 kilometers long modern tunnel in the Delhi-Mumbai expressway situated in Kota district.
This restriction has been implemented with immediate effect during the trial runs, which began on July 27, 2026. As per NHAI, it is possible that in case any tanker containing flammable substance crashes and catches fire in an enclosed structure like a tunnel, the consequences could prove to be very disastrous and fatal. In such a scenario, relief and rescue operation will become very difficult in the tunnel.
What did the official say?
As per the NHAI Project Director, Sandeep Aggarwal, this decision has been taken entirely from the point of safety and precaution only. The first priority of the authority is to ensure the safety of thousands of passengers who are traveling through this tunnel.
NHAI has requested all petroleum companies, tanker operators, logistics companies, and heavy vehicles drivers to follow these guidelines strictly.
What are the alternative routes?
In addition, alternative routes have been established for the movement of such flammable vehicles.
- Vehicles coming from Delhi: Tankers carrying hazardous materials coming from Delhi will be taken out of Gopalpura Interchange and sent to an alternative route.
- Vehicles coming from Mumbai side: All such vehicles coming from Mumbai side will have to take the designated diversion route using Chechat Interchange.
NHAI has made it clear that this ban is not only an administrative policy but also a measure ensuring the safety of the commuters using the expressway. If you are a part of the logistics and transport business in this region, then it is advisable to plan your journey ahead.
