MSRDC action plan to check accidents on Mumbai-Pune, Mumbai-Goa highways

The government will take several measures to check the increasing number of accidents on the Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Goa highways. Home minister RR Patil said in the legislative council on Saturday that the government had asked the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to come up with an action plan within three months in this regard.

A task force committee would be appointed to coordinate work between different departments to speed up four-laning of the Mumbai-Goa Highway, Patil said. "While 33% of the work on four-laning has been completed, the balance work is awaiting clearance from different departments", he added.

A part of Karnala Bird Sanctuary and salt pan would have to be acquired for the project. Also, certain water pipelines would have to be shifted and several encroachments removed. The project involves the departments of health, PWD, environment, water resources, commerce and industries. "PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal would monitor the working of the task force," Patil said, replying to questions.

The question on Mumbai-Pune highway was raised by Sharad Ranpise, Sanjay Dutt, Bhai Jagtap and others, while the question on Mumbai-Goa highway was raised by Vijay Girkar, Ashish Shelar, Vinod Tawde, Anil Parab and others.

Neelam Gorhe (Shiv Sena) pointed out that many tankers and trucks running on the highway had no tail lights. "There is total chaos and no space at all for private cars. The situation, especially at night, is very scary," she added.

Patil assured the house that strict action would be taken against those who broke the law. In order to levy heavy fines, the state would approach the Centre demanding amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act, he added. Fines would either be debited directly from the account of the drivers or they would be charged when they come to renew their licences. The vacancies in traffic police department would be filled at the earliest. And the local police would be asked to help keep vigil on highways. Also, the number of patrolling staff would be increased and provided sophisticated equipment like speed guns, CCTVs etc. The trauma care centre on Mumbai-Goa highway would be upgraded adding additional beds and equipment," Pati said.

Mumbai-Goa Highway
* During 2000-2013, at least 3,469 persons killed, 17,978 injured in accidents. In 2013 alone at least 287 people were killed. Police have registered case against 1,61,238 people and recovered Rs 1,72,19,100 as fine.

Mumbai-Pune Highway
In last three years, police have registered cases against 40,257 people for lanes cutting and breaking rules and recovered Rs 38,72,100 as fine.