Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has launched a road safety initiative in partnership with Mercedes-Benz India and the SaveLIFE Foundation to reduce accident-related deaths on the Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway.
The 701-km corridor, also known as the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, has been identified as a high-risk zone for road fatalities.
The initiative, which began in March 2024 under Mercedes-Benz India’s CSR programme, is designed around the “Zero Fatality Corridor” (ZFC) model. It follows a data-based approach focusing on the “Four Es” of road safety: Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Care, and Education.
Drop in Fatalities Since Implementation
Preliminary results show a 29 per cent reduction in fatalities, dropping from 151 deaths in 2023 to 107 in early 2024. Authorities attribute this to a series of safety upgrades and emergency response enhancements.
The project has identified High Fatality Zones (HFZs), which represent only 17 per cent of the highway’s length but account for nearly 39 per cent of total deaths. These findings are driving targeted safety interventions in specific sections of the corridor.
Multi-Agency Collaboration for Road Safety
The project is a joint effort involving the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the state highway police, and the public health department. Over 70 police officers have received specialised training for road safety enforcement.
Key interventions include:
Installation of speed detection cameras and Vehicle Actuated Speed Signs (VASS)
Enhanced reflective signage and lane guidance systems
Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) training for 90 first responders
Upgraded trauma care facilities in Vaijapur and Jalna
Public Awareness and Technology in Focus
A digital campaign is running across social media platforms to promote responsible driving habits. Authorities believe that increasing public awareness, combined with improved emergency response systems and real-time monitoring, can significantly reduce road deaths.
The project is expected to serve as a test case for similar safety models on other highways across the state. Officials aim to achieve zero fatalities on the expressway by 2026 through continued data monitoring and policy interventions.
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