Buldhana (Maharashtra): Two people lost their lives, and six others sustained injuries after an SUV overturned and was struck by another vehicle on the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway on Saturday morning.
The accident occurred around 9 am when a group of devotees from Yavatmal was travelling to Shirdi, an official from Sindkhed Raja police station informed news agency PTI. According to preliminary reports, a tyre of the SUV burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle overturned and was later hit from behind by a speeding vehicle.
Details On The Casualties
Among the deceased were Vidya Sable and Motiram Borkar, the police official stated. Six others were injured in the accident, with three reported to be in critical condition. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, traffic police and emergency response teams arrived at the scene, ensuring medical assistance for the injured and clearing the expressway to restore traffic flow. The mishap caused temporary congestion on the high-speed corridor.
Samruddhi Expressway: Maharashtra’s Mega Infrastructure Project
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, a key infrastructure project initiated during Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s first term, aims to enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Nagpur. Spanning 701 kilometers, this access-controlled expressway is designed to cut travel time between the two cities, facilitating faster transportation and economic development in Maharashtra.
Construction of the expressway began in January 2019, with significant portions already operational. The first 625-kilometer stretch from Nagpur to Shirdi was inaugurated in December 2022, followed by the 105-kilometer section from Shirdi to Bharvir in May 2023.
To improve commuter experience, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is setting up 10 public utility zones along the expressway. These zones will include fuel stations, eateries, and other essential amenities to cater to travellers.
Engineered to support speeds of up to 150 kmph, the expressway incorporates advanced infrastructure elements such as wildlife underpasses, flyovers, pedestrian crossings and a Greenfield alignment to ensure smooth and safe transit.
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