58.3 percent reduction in accidental deaths on Mumbai Pune Expressway in 7 years

The Zero Fatality Corridor project was implemented in 2016 due to the high number of accidents on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. This Zero Fatality Corridor has resulted in a 58.3 percent reduction in road accident deaths. Since 2022, there has been a decrease of 32 percent.

The Mumbai Pune Expressway was opened to passengers in 2002. It is the first expressway in the country. In 2016, 151 people died in accidents on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. Hence Zero Fatality Corridor Project is being implemented.

It is a joint venture of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, Save Life Foundation, Maharashtra Highway Police, Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department and SBI General Insurance. The expressway once recorded 151 deaths in 2016, roughly 3 deaths per 2 km. Compared to 2016, there is 1 death per 2 km.

·         Solutions to engineering problems in over 3500 locations

·         Installation of more than 176 km of crash barriers

·         Implementation of 200 km tactile edge line and 3 km tactile shoulder lines

·         1 Emergency median opening at km 26.6 and treatment of emerging black spot at km 82.7

To enhance traffic enforcement measures

·         2 smart patrolling vehicles deployed with focus on accident prevention

·         Operation by RTO and Highway Police during day and night

·         2 speed traps and 3 actively variable speed traps were installed

·         Over 500 forensic crash investigations were undertaken

To strengthen emergency care and medical assistance on expressways

·         The number of ambulances was increased from 2 to 8

·         3 ambulances were upgraded for improved medical response

·         Trained more than 1700 police personnel and volunteers in basic trauma life support for improved emergency care skills

To address critical issues of road safety

·         7 awareness campaigns focus on issues like speeding, rear-end collisions and the importance of using rear seat-belts

·         2500 truck drivers were trained in accident prevention skills

·         Conducted training programs for 90 police and RTO officers

·         Conducted training sessions for 27 engineers, police and RTO officers

Accidental deaths

·         2016 – 151

·         2023 – 63