Worn-out tyres: 973 vehicles sent back

NAGPUR: After an alarming incidents of accidents on the Samruddhi Expressway, the state transport department headed by transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar had announced several measures including introduction of an exit management system and restricting vehicles with worn-out tyres and without tail lights etc.

With counselling of nearly 21,053 drivers, flying squads from the regional transport offices of eight districts at different entry and exit points on the Samruddhi Expressway prohibited the entry of around 973 vehicles with worn-out tyres in the past two months when these drives were launched in May.

Inaugurated in December 2022 by prime minister Narendra Modi, the three-lane Samruddhi Expressway on each side has prescribed speed limits for each lane, including 120kmph for extreme right, 100 for middle and 80 for extreme left. The right lane is for overtaking vehicles, while the middle and left are for four-wheelers and heavy vehicles respectively.

The flying squad of motor vehicle inspectors on moving interceptor vehicles were monitoring traffic violations on the expressway. Apart from speeding, the squads were also checking lane violations, especially by heavy vehicles.

Despite dedicated lanes and prescribed speed limits, most of the vehicles plying on the expressway indulge in violations especially speed and lane cuttings, data of action taken against violators on the expressway revealed.

Data obtained from the transport commissioner’s office revealed that the exit management system caught 1,167 drivers crossing the speed limit of 120kmph since the new system came into effect. These violations were detected by the automated system which did not allow drivers to cross the boom barrier at the exit point despite payment of toll tax.

The EMS automatically calculates the time of travellers exiting the expressway. “If the travel time is too short while exiting the Samruddhi Expressway then the booms at the exit point did not open and a fine of Rs 1,000 was slapped on the drivers who were also had to undergo an hour-long counselling session,” said officials.

The flying squad of motor vehicles inspectors and assistant motor vehicles inspectors also caught 244 drivers for crossing the speed limits. Nearly 2,206 drivers were penalized for lane cutting, while 2,168 were challenged for parking on the expressway illegally. Around 1,043 were penalized after their vehicles were found without reflectors.