India, Feb. 5 -- Even as thousands of motorists remained stranded for hours on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway following the overturning of a gas tanker on Tuesday, toll collection continued uninterrupted, triggering sharp criticism from citizen groups and commuters, who accused authorities and toll operators of abandoning their responsibility during a crisis.

Vehicles remained stationary near the accident site overnight, leaving passengers, including women and children, without food, water, or toilet facilities for hours. The latest disruption reignited a long-standing question from commuters: why is a full toll charged when the expressway fails to provide even basic mobility, safety or emergency support?

Vivek Velankar, president of Sajag ...