Samruddhi's deadly secret: A world-class road that keeps claiming lives

Lokmat News NetworkRaj Patil

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Samruddhi’s Jalna–CSN stretch continues to bleed lives as speed, fatigue and reckless driving persistently challenge its world-class infrastructure.

The Samruddhi Expressway’s 160 km stretch from Jalna to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has claimed 19 lives till April this year. So far, the Jalna–CSN section alone has recorded 128 deaths in the last four years, with over 1,398 accidents reported on this single stretch. The Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) is expected to be rolled out within seven months to curb rising accidents on the expressway. CCTV and ANPR cameras will track violations, with monitoring to be handled from Mumbai. According to sources, villagers from nearby areas are also seen roaming near the expressway, prompting authorities to urge citizens to remain alert. Highway police have stated that if citizens notice any suspicious activity, they should call 110 or directly contact highway police.

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Long-distance driving tops cause of expressway accidents

Authorities say long-distance driving and overspeeding remain the key reasons behind rising accidents, with risky driver behaviour continuing as the main concern despite strong infrastructure.

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Accident statistics – Samruddhi Expressway Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Range

Year

Total Accidents

Fatal Accidents

Deaths

Serious Accidents

Injuries (Serious)

Without injury Accidents

2023

390

14

32

56

131

161

2024

416

35

49

33

114

220

2025

496

22

28

47

100

279

2026 till April month

91

7

19

13

23

42

Total

1,393

78

128

149

368

702

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Overspeeding, not infrastructure

“Currently, there are no high accident-prone zones on the expressway. Most accidents occur due to overspeeding and lack of concentration while driving. The expressway corridor has been developed with strong infrastructure and does not have a single black spot. The rise in accidents is primarily due to driver behaviour, not because of any infrastructural shortcomings.”

• Senior engineer, MSRDC (name withheld on condition of anonymity)

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Highway safety concerns

“We have four to five personnel patrolling the stretch daily. Dedicated vehicles are available; however, manpower remains a concern due to limited funds. The ITMS CCTV cameras per kilometre are currently in process and are expected to become operational within the next seven months. We urge motorists to drive cautiously and remain alert while travelling on this highway.”

• Kishore Chaudhary, police inspector, highways

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Reasons for accidents

• Overspeeding on wide, straight stretches

• Driver fatigue during long-distance travel

• Poor lane discipline and abrupt lane changes

• Overtaking from the wrong side