Amidst a spate of accidents on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, steps are being taken to enhance safety measures. Public address systems are being installed at nearly 60 entry-exit points of the expressway to address drivers and promote cautious driving.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is implementing the new system to remind drivers not to over-speed, drive in the wrong lane, or become drowsy while driving on the straight highway. Highway hypnosis has been identified as a significant cause of accidents on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, accounting for 27% of the total reported accidents.
To combat highway hypnosis, the MSRDC is introducing rumblers every 25 km on the expressway. Rumble strips produce both audible warnings and physical vibrations to alert drivers and prevent accidents. Additionally, colorful flags, reflectors, and frequent planting of saplings along the medians and avenues are being employed to keep drivers engaged and prevent accidents.
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, officially named the ‘Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg,’ is a 701-km-long expressway connecting Mumbai and Nagpur. The first phase, spanning 520 km and linking Nagpur to Shirdi, has been operational since December 2022. The second phase, covering an 80 km stretch from Shirdi to Bharvir village, was inaugurated on 27 May 2023.
Currently, 600 km of the expressway is open to the public, with the remaining 100-km stretch set to be completed in the next 7-8 months. Despite the recent accidents, the MSRDC has defended the design of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, placing the responsibility on driver behavior. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accidents, including analyzing the driver’s phone records.
Key Points:
- Public address systems installed at entry-exit points of Samruddhi Mahamarg
- Measures aimed at reducing accidents caused by highway hypnosis
- Rumblers introduced every 25 km on the expressway
- Flags, reflectors, and saplings planted to keep drivers engaged
- Samruddhi Mahamarg connects Mumbai and Nagpur
- First and second phases of the expressway in operation
- Remaining stretch to be completed within 7-8 months
- MSRDC defends the design of the expressway
- Investigations underway to determine causes of accidents
