In a stark comparison of road safety, the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg has emerged as a safer route in 2024, reporting a 29% decline in road fatalities, while the Mumbai-Pune Expressway witnessed a troubling 26% surge in deaths. The contrasting trends underline the effectiveness of proactive safety measures on the Samruddhi Mahamarg and highlight persistent challenges on the Mumbai-Pune corridor.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Alarming Rise in Fatalities
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway recorded 82 fatalities in 2024, up from 65 in 2023. Serious injuries also surged from 89 to 143, reflecting ongoing safety issues despite infrastructure improvements. Key concerns include:
- Rear-End Collisions:Often caused by heavy vehicles driving in neutral, particularly in ghat sections, risking fuel over safety.
- Vehicle Maintenance:Poor upkeep of engines, tyres, and brakes exacerbates risks, especially for heavy vehicles.
- Driver Behavior:Despite enhanced road designs and illumination, reckless driving persists.
Traffic police are intensifying vehicle checks and awareness campaigns to address these challenges.
Samruddhi Mahamarg: A Safer Model
In contrast, the Samruddhi Mahamarg reported a drop in fatalities from 151 in 2023 to 107 in 2024, thanks to robust safety measures:
- Pre-Entry Vehicle Checks:Tyre condition, pressure, and thickness are inspected to ensure roadworthiness.
- Speed Monitoring:Strict enforcement of speed limits and real-time penalties for violations.
- Anti-Drunk Driving Campaigns:Proactive crackdowns on intoxicated drivers.
These initiatives have significantly improved safety on the Mahamarg, setting a benchmark for other roadways.
345 Die in Road Accidents in Nagpur:
The year 2024 witnessed a concerning rise in road fatalities in Nagpur, with 327 fatal accidents and 345 deaths reported, marking an 11% increase in fatalities compared to 308 deaths in 2023 and a 20% spike from 310 deaths in 2022. While the number of fatal accidents remained steady at 294 in both 2022 and 2023, it surged to 327 in 2024, highlighting the growing challenges in ensuring road safety in Nagpur.
Statewide Trends:
Maharashtra’s overall road fatalities dipped marginally from 15,366 in 2023 to 15,335 in 2024, but fatal crashes rose slightly, signaling the need for sustained safety efforts. The contrasting performance of these expressways emphasises the importance of targeted safety strategies across the state.