Mumbai, June 16, 2023: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has ignited a contentious debate with its proposal to introduce scenic halting points along the bustling Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The plan has received mixed reactions, as concerns about safety and potential traffic congestion collide with the desire to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
The proposal aims to provide commuters with opportunities to pause and admire picturesque spots along the 90-kilometer expressway. However, the idea has raised eyebrows considering the increasing vulnerability of the route to accidents. The shoulder space, commonly known as the truck lay-bay, already experiences frequent vehicle breakdowns and forced stops due to heavy traffic. Experts argue that allowing additional stops for sightseeing would be imprudent, as it contradicts the primary purpose of the expressway, which is to minimize travel time.
The MSRDC has identified two potential halting points along the expressway. The first is near the Khalapur Toll Plaza, approximately 12 kilometers from the Mumbai end, offering a scenic view of the Sahyadri mountain range adorned with cascading waterfalls during the monsoon. The second point is at Lonavala, around 50 kilometers from the start of the Mumbai corridor, where one can witness the majestic Duke’s Nose, Monkey Point, and the deep valley.
Despite prominent blue boards warning against halting on the expressway since its inauguration in 2002, fatal accidents have occurred due to vehicles parked on the roadside. Commuters and experts express valid concerns regarding the new halting spots, fearing increased traffic congestion and compromised safety. The tragic incident in 2016, when a tourist bus collided with parked cars, claiming seventeen lives and injuring over thirty people, remains a haunting reminder of the dangers associated with the expressway.
Sanjay Shirodkar, an activist involved with the expressway, criticized the MSRDC’s initiative, pointing out the high number of road accident-related deaths over the years. He accused the authorities of diverting attention from the ongoing traffic jams and accidents rather than addressing them. Shirodkar emphasized the need for a properly functioning trauma care center, which should have been established long ago. Multiple public interest litigations (PILs) concerning the expressway have been filed by Shirodkar in the Bombay High Court.
RTI activist and AAP leader Vijay Kumbhar echoed Shirodkar’s concerns, suspecting ulterior motives behind the halting points. He suggested that once these spots gain popularity, the authorities may permit the establishment of restaurants and stalls, prioritizing profits over passenger safety. Kumbhar criticized the lack of safety upgrades on the road and highlighted the absence of proper treatment at the trauma center despite years of operation.
Responding to the criticisms, Rakesh Sonawane, MSRDC executive engineer, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to commuter safety. He stated that the identified truck lay-bays would serve as relaxation points for commuters to cool down their engines and tires. Sonawane also stressed the importance of adhering to traffic norms, as parking on the shoulder of roads is prohibited due to its association with accidents.
The introduction of scenic halting points on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway remains a contentious issue, with concerns over safety and traffic congestion weighing against the desire to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. The MSRDC faces the challenge of finding a balance between these conflicting interests while ensuring the safety and convenience of commuters on one of the country’s busiest highways.
