In an effort to enhance road safety and reduce the rising number of accidents, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the state transport department are rolling out the Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS) on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. This advanced system includes high-tech speed detection, monitoring of lane-changing, and most significantly, the imposition of fines on violators. With the installation of 430 state-of-the-art CCTV cameras across both sides of the expressway, covering critical points, the authorities aim to hold reckless drivers accountable and deter dangerous driving behaviours.
The HTMS initiative, which has been handed over to the transport department by MSRDC, is currently in its trial phase and is expected to be fully operational soon. Its deployment comes in response to frequent accidents on the expressway, often caused by speeding or erratic driving in the ghat sections and tunnels. While boards displaying speed limits have already been installed, the full implementation of fines for speeding and lane violations will soon follow, allowing for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
The expressway, known for its beautiful but treacherous ghat sections, is both a vital link and a dangerous stretch for commuters. Every year, countless accidents occur on this route, raising concerns about driver behaviour and road safety. Similar systems in other countries have proven effective in reducing road fatalities, and it is expected that the HTMS will contribute to significantly lowering accident rates on the Pune-Mumbai expressway. The human cost of these accidents is substantial, and this initiative seeks to make journeys safer for thousands of daily commuters.
From a sustainability perspective, the HTMS is not only about immediate road safety but also aligns with long-term goals of creating more resilient, intelligent transport systems. By leveraging technology, the system ensures efficient traffic management, minimises congestion, and indirectly contributes to lowering carbon emissions by reducing the instances of traffic jams. This shift towards smarter traffic control is part of the broader vision of sustainable urban mobility that ensures both safety and efficiency for India’s growing network of expressways.
