Maharashtra’s Road Safety Drive on Samruddhi Expressway Emerges as National Model: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai : Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has hailed the road safety partnership between the state government and Mercedes-Benz India as a “national-level model”. The initiative, focused on the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway), marks a significant step toward safer travel and can be replicated on other high-risk routes in the state, said the Chief Minister.

Welcoming the MoU signed with Mercedes-Benz India through SaveLIFE Foundation under its CSR initiative, Fadnavis said the collaboration is commendable. “On average, one million vehicles travel daily on the Samruddhi Expressway. Ensuring road safety here is of utmost importance. It’s encouraging that an industry leader like Mercedes-Benz is proactively contributing,” he said.

This partnership, he noted, could bring transformational results not just for Samruddhi but serve as a benchmark for similar projects across Maharashtra. The initiative is being supported by the Maharashtra Highway Police and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) under strong leadership.

The 701-km Samruddhi Mahamarg is a flagship infrastructure project connecting 10 districts and serving as a commercial, tourism, and daily commute lifeline. The project has been opened in phases—Nagpur to Shirdi (520 km) in December 2022, Shirdi to Bharvir (80 km) in May 2023, and Bharvir to Igatpuri (25 km) in March 2024. The final stretch from Igatpuri to Amne (76 km) is set to open soon.

Launched in March 2024, the “Zero Fatality Corridor” (ZFC) initiative, in partnership with SaveLIFE Foundation and MSRDC, will continue through 2026. It follows the “Four E’s” of road safety—Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Care, and Education. This integrated approach has already reduced road fatalities by 29%—from 151 deaths in 2023 to 107 in 2024.

Key initiatives include blackspot identification, installation of road signs, speed control devices, VASS boards, and live speed monitoring. VIDES cameras now detect seatbelt violations and wrong-lane driving. Over 70 officers have received specialized training.

Emergency services have also been upgraded with defibrillators, ECG, and surgical kits at key hospitals, while 90 first responders have been trained under WHO’s “Chain of Survival.”

A sustained digital campaign is underway to raise awareness on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Further safety measures are planned in the 2025–2026 expansion phase.

CM Fadnavis reiterated that this data-driven, multi-agency model clearly demonstrates how leadership and collaboration can dramatically reduce road fatalities across India.