Time and again the precarious safety standards of Indian roads have been highlighted. Frequent accidents cast a gory picture on the condition of the roads all across the country and the many dangers it poses to commuters putting both life and limb at risk. Just a few days back, 5 people were killed and 3 other injured in an accident on the Mumbai Pune Expressway after their Tavera rammed into a container trailer. Yesterday, an Audi A3 met with a similar fate on a highway near Mumbai.
The white colored Audi A3, MH 12 MF 1003 was seen with a metal sheet going in from its front windscreen and emerging from the rear glass. It literally got skewered on a fence at the side of a road and while details are awaited, it is hoped that all the occupants are safe. The accident occurred when the driver lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre. Little did the driver know that there was a protruding metal on the side of the highway.
However, even as such road accidents continue on practically a daily basis, there is good news for commuters across the Mumbai Pune Expressway. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and Express Authorities has initiated ‘Golden Hours’ for passenger vehicles.
Introduced on an experimental basis, the initiative commenced on September 9 and all vehicles that fall under multi axle and overload trucks will be halted during peak hours giving right of way to passenger vehicles. Under the scheme, Pune bound heavy vehicles will be stopped between 5 pm – 8 pm on Fridays and between 8 am – 12 pm on Sundays while Mumbai bound vehicles will be stopped between 4 pm – 8 pm on Saturdays and 6 am – 9 am on Mondays.
The scheme, if found to be feasible will be extended further, bring much relief to weekend commuters and would go a long way in bringing down delays, accidents and traffic jams along the Expressway.
