PIL Seeks Halt on Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway Traffic After Fatal Accidents

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed to temporarily halt vehicular traffic on the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway following a series of fatal accidents. Anil Wadpalliwar filed the PIL, citing numerous accidents and fatalities on the 701-km expressway since its opening in December 2022. The PIL aims to suspend traffic until necessary safety measures and amenities are implemented. The Bombay High Court's Nagpur Bench issued notices to relevant authorities to respond within four weeks. The PIL highlights highway hypnosis as a contributor to accidents due to monotonous driving conditions. After a fatal Buldhana bus accident claiming 27 lives, the state government faced criticism from various groups. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) invited e-tenders for amenities along the expressway with a minimum investment of Rs 50 crore each. However, critics view this as insufficient. The fully completed Rs 55,000-crore expressway is set to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from 16 to 8 hours. The envisioned amenities include hotels, restaurants, clinics, ATMs, and more.