Mercedes-Benz India, Maharashtra team up to make Samruddhi Expressway zero fatality model

The Maharashtra government has partnered with Mercedes-Benz India and the SaveLIFE Foundation to implement an ambitious “Zero Fatality Corridor” (ZFC) project on the 701-km Samruddhi Mahamarg. The goal is to transform the high-speed expressway into a national model for road safety.

Launched in March 2024 under Mercedes-Benz India’s CSR initiative, the project aims to reduce accident-related deaths through the “Four Es” of road safety: Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Care, and Education.

The initiative is supported by key agencies, including the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the highway police, and the health department, making it a multi-agency effort.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the collaboration, calling it a major step towards safer travel. “This partnership not only addresses current safety challenges but also sets a national benchmark. It opens doors to replicate this model on other high-risk corridors across Maharashtra,” he said.

Since the project’s implementation, the impact has already become visible. Fatalities on the expressway have dropped by 29%, from 151 deaths in 2023 to 107 in early 2024. The project has also identified “High Fatality Zones”, which account for just 17% of the expressway but nearly 39% of all deaths, enabling targeted interventions.

Key safety upgrades include speed detection cameras, reflective signage, lane guidance, and the installation of Vehicle Actuated Speed Signs (VASS). Over 70 officers have received specialised training. Emergency care has also been strengthened, with upgraded facilities at hospitals in Vaijapur and Jalna, and Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) training provided to 90 first responders.

Public awareness plays a crucial role in the project. To promote safe driving habits, a sustained digital campaign is being run across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. As the final stretch of the expressway nears completion, authorities remain confident that this data-driven, collaborative approach will help achieve zero fatalities by 2026.

The Samruddhi model demonstrates how strategic partnerships, community awareness, and technology can combine to make Indian roads significantly safer. This initiative is not just about reducing numbers—it’s about saving lives.