Samruddhi Mahamarg: Colourful flags, rumbler strips to reduce mishaps

By Kartik Lokhande

FOLLOWING the accidents on Samruddhi Mahamarg since it was opened for traffic in December 2022, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has started taking several measures to make the expressway safer for users. According to officials, MSRDC is making these efforts because most of the accidents have taken place due to human errors. Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg’s 520 km stretch from Nagpur to Shirdi was opened for traffic in December 2022. The second stretch from Shirdi to Bharvir (KM 520.951 to KM 600.128) was opened for traffic on May 26, 2023. For past some time, especially after the accident near Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana district in which 25 passengers travelling in a private bus were charred to death, questions are being raised over construction and other aspects relating to Samruddhi Mahamarg.

However, on Samruddhi Mahamarg, accidents have taken place due to human errors like overspeeding, rash driving, lane cutting, loss of control, bad tyres, tailgating, overtaking from wrong side etc. Considering this, MSRDC has started taking several measures on this first expressway connecting Vidarbha region with other parts of Maharashtra. Sanjay Yadav, Joint Managing Director of MSRDC, told ‘The Hitavada’ that there were total 5,897 fatal accidents on roads in the State till the end of May this year. Compared to that, only 51 accidents have occurred on Samruddhi Mahamarg till the end of June this year. “Though an accident is an accident, the number of accidents on Samruddhi Mahamarg in six months is very low as compared to total number of fatal accidents in the State in five months. Still, as we have found that the accidents on Samruddhi Mahamarg have taken place due to human error, we have taken several steps to make travel safer for people,” he said.

Accordingly, precautionary signages and standing boards are being put up. Reflective tapes and solar blinkers are being used on structures and expressway. Colourful flags are being installed along the expressway to break what is referred to as ‘road hypnosis’ phenomenon among drivers driving on a long and straight road. Rumblers strips have been used after every 25 kms, and colourful flags have been installed after every 5 kms. Public address system has been installed at toll booths to create awareness among people about road safety. Hooters have been put up at most of the toll booths to identify overspeeding vehicles. Helpline numbers have been displayed at various places and pamphlets of helpline numbers are distributed at toll booths at busy points. Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Highway Police also are counselling those using Samruddhi Mahamarg.

MSRDC has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure efficient and effective incident management on Samruddhi Mahamarg. Under the SOP, every incident is being recorded with a vision to gather points to make people aware about the aspects of road safety and vehicle maintenance. So, far MSRDC has provided 21 Quick Response Vehicles equipped with fire-fighting system, oxygen cylinders, cutters, hydraulic jacks, first-aid facility etc; 21 ambulances linked to 108 Emergency Medical Service number, 12 patrolling vehicles, 12 cranes of 30 tonnes capacity each, and have deployed 142 security guards through Maharashtra State Security Corporation. Also, space has been made available for 12 Highway Safety Police Centres.

Further, MSRDC has made available eight vehicles on rent to RTO with fuel and driver. Highway Safety Police has been allowed to procure 15 vehicles, and till procurement the vehicles have been made available on rent. Besides, penal action is taken against vehicles detected to be overspeeding. Interceptor vehicles have been deployed through Regional Transport Office and Highway Police. “While constructing the road, we have followed all the stringent norms of the Indian Road Congress. In fact, we are doing more than that from our side to ensure road safety. We just expect responsible driving from the people so that the transition from driving on roads so far to high-speed highway or expressway is safer,” Yadav said.