The Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra has seen a tragic number of accidents since it was partially opened in December 2022. According to a state highway police official, a total of 88 people have lost their lives in road accidents on this expressway, with 25 fatalities occurring on Saturday alone. The latest incident involved a private bus that caught fire after hitting the divider.
One of the causes behind these accidents is road hypnosis, a condition where drivers zone out and have no recollection of what occurred during that period. The six-lane wide access-controlled expressway has also witnessed 39 fatal accidents and 616 minor and major accidents since its partial opening.
Data reveals that most accidents on the Nagpur-Mumbai expressway were caused by factors such as over-speeding, drivers falling asleep at the wheel, and tire bursts. In an effort to address the issue of road hypnosis, the Highway Police are working towards finding solutions.
These accidents on the Samruddhi Expressway are part of a larger problem across Maharashtra. In 2022 alone, a staggering 15,224 people lost their lives in road crashes in the state.
In the most recent tragedy, 25 passengers were charred to death when the private bus they were traveling in caught fire after hitting the divider in Buldhana district. The Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, spanning 701 kilometers, is now operational on a 601-kilometer stretch from Vidarbha’s largest city to Bharvir in Nashik.
While this news understandably highlights the alarming number of accidents on the Samruddhi Expressway, it is crucial to approach the topic with balanced reporting. Including different perspectives and opinions on road safety measures may shed light on potential solutions to prevent further accidents.
In conclusion, the Samruddhi Expressway has witnessed numerous accidents since its partial opening in December 2022, resulting in the loss of many lives. Road hypnosis and various other factors contribute to these accidents, and the Highway Police are actively addressing the issue. It is crucial to prioritize road safety measures to prevent further tragedies on this expressway and across Maharashtra.
