The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has collected about Rs 84 crore in toll fee from over 12 lakh vehicles since the launch of Samruddhi Mahamarg in December. The 520-km stretch of the expressway still lacks basic facilities for the drivers, like eateries and toilets, which some have pointed out is one of the reasons behind 140 accidents in just three months. Other problems are overloading and speeding, thanks to lack of vigilance from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the highway safety police.

“There is no garage for even minor repairs; no parking lot, toilets and eateries for drivers to take breaks. Wayside amenities (WSA) are important on a long stretch to fight off fatigue, or else the driver will lose alertness. The government has only opened the toll plazas and petrol pumps, what about the amenities? Why does no one talk about WSA whenever there`s an accident on an expressway?” asked Sandip Pise, a resident of Shivni Pisa village in Buldhana district.