15 high-risk zones along the Old Mumbai–Pune Highway (NH-48) have undergone significant safety enhancements.
This initiative is a collaborative endeavour involving the SaveLIFE Foundation, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Maharashtra Highway Police, and Highways Infrastructure Trust. The project is part of the broader Zero Fatality Corridor (ZFC) programme, which aims to transform accident-prone stretches into models of road safety through comprehensive interventions. The Old Mumbai–Pune Highway has long been notorious for its high incidence of road accidents, with 88 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone. Recognising the urgent need for action, the ZFC programme employed a data-driven approach to identify and address the root causes of these accidents. Through meticulous field surveys and data analysis, 15 critical locations were pinpointed for immediate intervention.
The safety treatments implemented encompass a range of engineering solutions designed to enhance road user safety. These include the installation of improved signage, speed-calming measures, enhanced visibility at critical points, the development of safer pedestrian infrastructure, and the redesign of hazardous junctions. Such measures are aimed at preventing collisions and safeguarding lives by addressing the specific factors contributing to accidents at each location. Beyond engineering, the initiative also emphasised the importance of enforcement and emergency response. Collaborating with state authorities, enforcement strategies were devised to ensure compliance with traffic laws, thereby promoting safer driving behaviours. Additionally, the emergency response framework was strengthened to provide timely assistance to accident victims, thereby increasing the chances of survival and reducing the severity of injuries.
The success of the ZFC model is evident from its previous implementations. Notably, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway witnessed a 58.3% reduction in road crash fatalities since the inception of the ZFC initiative in 2016. This remarkable achievement underscores the efficacy of a holistic approach that combines engineering, enforcement, emergency care, and community engagement. The collaborative nature of the project has been pivotal to its success. By bringing together government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private sector partners, the initiative has fostered a shared commitment to road safety. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that interventions are well-coordinated, effectively implemented, and sustainable in the long term.
Looking ahead, the stakeholders involved in the ZFC programme are optimistic about replicating this model across other high-risk corridors in India. The goal is to create a nationwide network of safe roads that support sustainable, equitable, and eco-friendly urban development. By prioritising human life and well-being, such initiatives contribute to the broader vision of building cities that are not only efficient and connected but also inclusive and safe for all.
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