This Diwali season witnessed an extraordinary surge in vehicular traffic on Maharashtra’s Samruddhi Mahamarg, especially from major cities like Pune, Nashik, and Mumbai. The highway, connecting Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik, became the preferred route for thousands, leading to a remarkable increase in the number of vehicles during the festive period.
Record-Breaking Travel Statistics
From November 1 to 21, an astounding 5.5 lakh small and large four-wheelers traversed the Samruddhi Mahamarg, showcasing the popularity of this route. The daily average of 11,000 to 13,000 cars on the highway saw a significant uptick starting November 16, coinciding with the onset of Diwali holidays.
Comparing October and November figures, there was a notable increase of 1.25 lakh cars during the festive month. While 2,65,280 cars traveled between October 1 and 21, a staggering 3,82,416 cars covered the same distance in the corresponding period in November. The number of other vehicles, including small cargo vehicles with two to six axles, showed marginal differences.
City Preferences and Commuter Experiences
Major cities like Pune, Mumbai, Amravati, Akola, and Wardha saw a preference for the Samruddhi Highway, as reported by travelers. However, with the surge in traffic, many commuters experienced delays and frequent traffic blocks during their journey. Passengers traveling from Pune specifically noted the increasing challenges on Samruddhi Mahamarg during the Diwali days.
On the auspicious day of Lakshmi Pujan (12th November 2023), a remarkable 23,340 cars traveled on the highway. Post-Diwali, on November 18, a notable number of individuals opted to return to their hometowns, resulting in 30,543 cars traversing Samruddhi Mahamarg on that day.
