Calls to Halt Traffic on Samriddhi Highway Amid Rising Accidents: Court’s Decision Awaited
Nagpur’s ambitious Samruddhi Mahamarg, designed to catalyze the state’s development, is grappling with a concerning issue – an increasing number of accidents since its inception. The Nagpur Mumbai Samriddhi Highway, constructed with the intent of fostering progress, has unfortunately garnered attention primarily due to the persistent accidents plaguing its lanes. In response, a petition has been submitted to the Nagpur Bench, advocating for a temporary suspension of traffic on the Samriddhi Highway due to the alarming frequency of accidents. Acknowledging the gravity of this plea, the court has summoned responses from both the state government and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) within a span of four weeks.
The cascade of serious accidents along the path of the Samriddhi Highway, a flagship endeavor of the state government, remains a pressing concern. The petition, filed by Anil Vadapalliwar, underscores the necessity for implementing safety measures prior to permitting traffic on the Nagpur Mumbai Samriddhi Highway, where accidents have become all too common. Vadapalliwar’s public interest litigation outlines a range of proposals, encompassing the establishment of expert panels, installation of road signage, vehicle inspections, and the setup of first aid clinics. Justices Atul Chandurkar and Vrishali Joshi have taken note of this matter and have summoned responses from both the state government and MSRDC within the designated timeframe.
Once Touted as a Path to Progress, Now Branded a Danger Zone
Originally conceived as a comprehensive highway to bridge the Vidarbha region with the capital city Mumbai, the Samruddhi Highway has encountered unforeseen challenges. The project, which carried a price tag of approximately 5.5 thousand crore rupees, has unfortunately garnered a reputation as a perilous thoroughfare. Stretching 701 kilometers in a direct line from Nagpur to Mumbai, the highway has experienced nearly a thousand accidents so far. Among these incidents, a grim tally of 368 fatalities is attributed to severe accidents, 183 to drivers succumbing to fatigue, 51 to tire bursts, and over 22 to technical malfunctions.
A Call for Government Action
Although the Samriddhi Highway is envisioned to be a transformative lifeline for the state, the surge in accidents necessitates a proactive response from the government. The situation calls for a collective awakening, urging authorities to prioritize the safety of citizens traversing this vital route. The demand is clear: the government must promptly address safety concerns and implement measures to safeguard the lives of those who journey along this highway.
As the court awaits responses from concerned authorities, the fate of the Samriddhi Highway’s traffic hangs in the balance. Balancing the promise of progress with the urgency of ensuring public safety will likely be at the forefront of the decision-making process.
