New Delhi: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has seen a drop in accidents and deaths after a new traffic management system was introduced. This system, called the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), was started in July 2024. It helps catch drivers who speed, park illegally, or change lanes dangerously.
Between January and April 2024, there were 10 serious accidents on this expressway, leading to 11 deaths. In comparison, the Samruddhi Expressway had 47 serious accidents and 55 deaths during the same period, according to the Maharashtra Highway Police.
Officials say the ITMS, along with more patrolling, stricter rules, and awareness campaigns, has helped reduce accidents. The system watches for 17 types of traffic violations, like using a phone while driving or not wearing a seat belt, using surveillance cameras and automated alerts.
Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar said that ITMS has made drivers more careful, especially after receiving several online challans (fines). He said the system has cut down on speeding and lane-cutting, which are major reasons for road deaths.
The government plans to introduce ITMS on the Samruddhi Expressway as well.
So far in 2024, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has seen 191 accidents, including 74 fatal ones with 90 deaths. The Samruddhi Expressway had 137 accidents, 96 of which were fatal, resulting in 126 deaths.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is India’s first six-lane expressway and has been in use for over 20 years. The Samruddhi Expressway, which connects Mumbai to Nagpur, is still being completed and is expected to open fully soon.
