Nagpur: In response to a series of fatal accidents on the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, the Highway Police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have launched a 24x7 joint drunk-driving enforcement campaign aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities.

The round-the-clock drive commenced on Friday evening at 7 pm, with Highway Police Superintendent Lohit Matani and Nagpur Rural Regional Transport Officer Vijay Chavan inspecting entry points along the expressway and reviewing the enforcement arrangements before the operation began.

Officials said that overspeeding, driver fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol have emerged as the primary causes of the recent deadly crashes on the Samruddhi Expressway. To curb these violations, Highway Police and RTO teams will jointly conduct checks at all four lanes of every entry point on the expressway.

Every driver entering the highway will undergo a breath analyser test to detect alcohol consumption. Those found driving under the influence will face legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, officials said.

The enforcement campaign has been launched simultaneously at key entry points, including Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sinnar, Shirdi, and other major access points along the Samruddhi Expressway. According to Superintendent Matani, the initiative is not a one-time special operation but a continuous 24-hour enforcement drive.

Appealing to motorists, Matani urged drivers not to consume alcohol before driving, to strictly follow traffic rules, avoid overspeeding, and take adequate rest during long-distance journeys to ensure a safe and accident-free travel experience on the Samruddhi Expressway.