The recently inaugurated Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, spanning 246 kilometres from Sohna in Gurgaon to Dausa in Rajasthan, has significantly shortened travel between Delhi and Jaipur, reducing the journey to just two-and-a-half hours for the approximately 28,000 vehicles that traverse it daily. Nonetheless, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confronts considerable obstacles, particularly along the 30-kilometer section passing through Nuh.According to a report by TOI, this 8-lane expressway permits speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, but issues in the Nuh region have raised serious concerns. Over recent weeks, two fatal accidents have occurred in this area, resulting in three casualties. NHAI has even sought assistance from Haryana Police to enforce traffic regulations on this route.One significant issue is the widespread theft of highway lights, blinkers, and markers by locals in the area, causing both inconveniences to travellers and financial losses for NHAI. Despite the relatively low value of these stolen items, they play a crucial role in road safety.The emergence of illegal dhabas (eateries) along the expressway has created another hazard. These establishments not only violate regulations but also pose an accident risk, as pedestrians often attempt to cross the busy road to reach them.Truck drivers, many of whom utilise this route, contribute to the chaos by parking on the roadside and occasionally driving in the wrong direction. There is suspicion that some of these drivers may be involved in illegal mining in the Aravalis and use these stops to evade checks.Sudhir Mishra, a Gurgaon resident who frequently travels to Jaipur, shared a harrowing experience, saying, I was driving at over 100 kilometres per hour when suddenly a group of four people started walking on the expressway from the central verge between the carriageways. I had to hit the brakes, and luckily, there was no vehicle behind my car; otherwise, it could have resulted in a fatal accident.NHAI project director Mukesh Kumar Meena underscored that the expressway features designated resting areas every 30-50 kilometres with all necessary amenities, and dhabas are not permitted. However, locals have resisted NHAI's efforts to shut down illegal eateries and enforce the rules.In response to these challenges, NHAI has requested the intervention of the Haryana government and police chiefs of Gurgaon, Palwal, and Nuh to deploy their teams on the expressway to ensure compliance with traffic regulations.Recent accidents on the expressway have raised concerns about safety. On August 22, a Rolls-Royce collided with the rear of a fuel tanker, resulting in fatalities. Two weeks later, on September 5, a Mercedes collided with a milk tanker, leading to another tragic loss of life.To bolster safety and surveillance, the Sohna-Dausa stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, set to eventually connect India's two largest metropolises, now boasts CCTV cameras installed every kilometre. NHAI is also developing an advanced traffic management system and a control room in Alipur to monitor a 78-kilometre segment of the expressway in Haryana. If you want to learn more about Indian Roads, make sure you sign-up for the India Roads Conference at the India Construction Festival on October 12th in New Delhi Click HERE and reserve your seats! Or call Deepali on 82919 95574....