A week since it was opened, over 50,000 vehicles used Samruddhi Mahamarg, shows data

“A total of Rs 1.71 crore has been collected as toll till date, which will most likely cross Rs 2 crore by Saturday night,” added the official.

There are a total of 23 toll plazas between Nagpur and Shirdi on a 520 km stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg. The remaining stretch from Shirdi, around 181 km, will be completed by July 2023, completing the entire 701 km between Nagpur and Mumbai.

“There are a total of 13 petrol pumps. These petrol pumps have dry snacks and facilities for toilets have been made. Towing vans and mechanics are also available in case of emergencies,” the MSRDC said.

The MSRDC has also kept on stand by 21 quick response vehicles for untoward accidents that take place. These vehicles will be deployed on spot for immediate rescue operation. Also, a firefighting system, hydraulic jack, first aid medical facility and oxygen cylinders have been kept ready at vantage spots.

Since Samruddhi Mahamarg is expected to be mostly used by heavy and commercial vehicles, a crane comprising 30 metric tonne carrying capacity has been made available on the expressway 24×7. A total of 13 cranes are available on the entire stretch of Samruddhi Mahamarg to handle emergency situations.

Meanwhile, the JMD has also urged the people to check their vehicles tyres while using Samruddhi Mahamarg. He said, “Vehicles can ply on Samruddhi Mahamarg on the permissible top speed limit, however, the health of the vehicle is also important. Old models, comprising old engines, definitely cannot ply at that speed as it may cause the tyres to burst. Therefore, the drivers should take utmost precaution. If their vehicles cannot drive at a high speed, they should drive carefully through the side lanes.”

The official underlined that Samruddhi Mahamarg is not like other highways and people will gradually understand the “road culture” once they use the highway.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway is designed for vehicles with a driving speed of 150 kmph, however, the permissible speed limit is 120 kmph fixed by the Maharashtra highway police.