Significant Step Towards Safer Travel
Mumbai, May 15: Mercedes-Benz India has partnered with the Government of Maharashtra on a key road safety initiative focused on the Samruddhi Expressway, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. Welcoming the collaboration, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that this project is evolving into a national model, and its successful implementation could pave the way for similar safety measures on other high-risk highways across Maharashtra.
Speaking on the occasion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Mercedes-Benz India through SaveLIFE Foundation, CM Fadnavis said that around 1 million vehicles travel daily on the Samruddhi Expressway, making road safety on this stretch a critical concern. He appreciated Mercedes-Benz India, a leading name in the automotive and safety sectors, for taking the initiative and offering valuable support. This public-private partnership, he said, could have a transformative effect on road safety not only on this expressway but across the entire state.
He assured that the Maharashtra Highway Police and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), under capable leadership, would provide formal support and coordination for the project.
The Samruddhi Expressway is a flagship infrastructure project of the Maharashtra Government, connecting multiple regions and serving as a vital lifeline for trade, tourism, and daily commuting. Spanning 701 km and linking 10 districts, the expressway enables fast, efficient travel. The Nagpur–Shirdi (520 km) stretch was opened on December 11, 2022; the Shirdi–Bharvir (80 km) section on May 26, 2023; and the Bharvir–Igatpuri (25 km) stretch on March 4, 2024. The final 76 km segment from Igatpuri to Amne (in Thane district) will be opened soon.
As a responsible corporate entity committed to safety, Mercedes-Benz India, in collaboration with SaveLIFE Foundation and MSRDC, launched the "Zero Fatality Corridor" (ZFC) initiative on the Samruddhi Expressway in March 2024. The project is scheduled to continue until 2026.
This flagship initiative on the 701 km Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway is built on the "4 Es of Road Safety"—Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Care, and Education. The initiative has already resulted in a 29% reduction in road accident fatalities (151 deaths in 2023 compared to 107 in 2024). It has also helped identify High Fatality Zones (HFZs), with 39% of deaths occurring on just 17% of the expressway (as of December 2024).
Key actions are being implemented through multi-agency coordination, including regular safety audits, engineering upgrades, and emergency service enhancements. Stakeholders like MSRDC, the police, the health department, and other agencies are holding regular consultation meetings.
Engineering Measures
A 626 km road segment underwent accident vulnerability assessments. Safety improvements in high-fatality zones included enhanced signage, speed limit indicators, "Go Slow" markings, and installation of speed cameras and six Vehicle Activated Speed Signs (VASS). The VIDES system is being used to detect risky driving behaviors like not wearing seatbelts or lane violations. Over 70 officials have received training.
Emergency Services Upgrade
Facilities at Vaijapur Sub-District Hospital and Jalna District Hospital were upgraded with defibrillators, ECG machines, and surgical kits. 90 first responders received BTLS training and operations follow WHO’s “Chain of Survival” protocol.
Awareness and Education
A long-term digital campaign promoting safe driving practices is being run on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The initiative will be expanded in 2025–2026 with additional interventions.
This initiative has demonstrated that a data-driven approach, strong government leadership, and stakeholder collaboration can significantly reduce road fatalities, making it a national model for road safety.
0 Comments