The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, once notorious for its high number of road crash fatalities, has seen an unprecedented decline in deaths since the implementation of the “zero fatality corridor” initiative in 2016. A recent report highlights the success of this collaborative effort, showcasing a remarkable 58.3% reduction in fatalities on the expressway since its implementation.
A Deadly Expressway Turned Safer
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a crucial link between two major cities in India, set a grim record of 151 deaths in 2016 alone. This accounted for nearly three deaths per every 2 km, compared to the national average of one death per 2 km. Recognizing the urgent need to address these alarming statistics, the “zero fatality corridor” initiative was introduced, aiming at making the expressway safer and more secure. According to the report, the reduction in road crash fatalities on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been significant. Since the initiative’s introduction in 2016, there has been a 32% reduction since 2022, marking a substantial progress in ensuring the safety of commuters.
Collaborative Efforts Leading the Way
The success of the “zero fatality corridor” initiative would not have been possible without the efforts of various stakeholders. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the Maharashtra Highway Police (HSP), the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department, and the SaveLIFE Foundation joined forces in a collective endeavor to address road safety on the expressway. As part of their comprehensive approach, the initiative focused on five essential pillars of road safety known as the 5Es – Enactment, Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Care, and Engagement. By addressing these different aspects, the initiative sought to create a holistic safety approach that would ultimately lead to a drastic reduction in the number of road crash fatalities on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Impressive Results and Ongoing Commitment
The report revealed that the collaborative efforts and comprehensive interventions yielded significant results. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway witnessed a remarkable 58.3% decrease in road crash fatalities, with the number going from 151 in 2016 to 63 deaths resulting from 56 fatal crashes until 31st December 2023. Despite these impressive achievements, the leaders behind the initiative remain resolute in their commitment to further improving safety on the expressway. Dr. Anil Kumar Gaikwad, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the MSRDC, emphasized their determination to achieve a “zero death” goal. He assured the public that no effort would be spared in ensuring that commuters can travel safely between Mumbai and Pune.
The MSRDC has implemented various safety measures on the expressway to eliminate different types of crashes, including run-off crashes, object impact crashes, head-on crashes, and poor visibility-related crashes. By implementing these measures and the ongoing commitment of the stakeholders involved, the goal of zero fatalities on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway becomes increasingly attainable.
Conclusion
The positive impact of the “zero fatality corridor” initiative is evident in the substantial reduction of road crash fatalities on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Through collaboration, comprehensive interventions, and an unwavering commitment, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is becoming a safer route for commuters. With the continued dedication of all stakeholders, the aim of achieving zero deaths on this vital link between Mumbai and Pune edges closer to becoming a reality.
