Samruddhi Mahamarg : Another Robbery Attempt Raises Safety Concerns for Passengers
The safety of commuters on the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Nagpur-Mumbai Super Communication Expressway) has once again come under the spotlight following fresh reports of stone pelting and attempted robbery. Concerns are mounting after a viral video surfaced showing an unidentified person throwing stones at vehicles in a tunnel, with the intent to force them to stop and subsequently rob the occupants.
The incident is reported to have occurred on the stretch between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur during nighttime hours. Though the exact date of the video is yet to be confirmed, it was posted on social media platform X by political leader Rohini Khadse on Sunday and went viral by Monday, triggering widespread discussion on passenger security along the highway.
In the viral footage, a person can be seen hurling stones at moving vehicles inside a tunnel — a known tactic used to stop vehicles for robbery. Fortunately, in one of the reported incidents, a disaster was narrowly avoided when the driver, exercising caution, did not stop the vehicle despite the attack. However, such events have instilled fear among regular commuters and raised serious questions about nighttime travel safety.
Inadequate Security Measures?
According to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), every stretch of the expressway — referred to as a "package" — is patrolled by a 10-member team from the Maharashtra Security Force, supported by ambulances and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs). However, these measures appear insufficient, as incidents of highway crimes continue to rise. Officials have clarified that any complaints of robbery on the expressway must be lodged at the local police station via the Highway Security Police.
Crime-Prone Zones Identified
A total of 86 villages across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Gangapur, Vaijapur, and Jalna districts contributed land for the construction of the expressway. It is observed that many of these robbery incidents occur in these very regions — particularly near Harsul-Savangi, Lasur Station, Maliwada, Vaijapur, and tunnel sections.
Due to repeated incidents, night travel on the expressway is becoming increasingly perilous. Local citizens and travelers are now urging authorities to step up security measures — including intensified night patrols, upgraded CCTV surveillance systems, and faster emergency response mechanisms — to ensure commuter safety on one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.