Mumbai: Provisional data from Maharashtra's highway police indicate a sharp increase in road accidents across the state in 2024 compared to 2023, although the number of fatalities saw a slight decline.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway recorded a significant 19% rise in accidents, while the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway witnessed a 4% decrease, as per the data.
With over 3.8 crore vehicles, Maharashtra remains the most industrialised state in India. In 2024, the state reported 36,084 road accidents, an increase of 841 from the 35,243 accidents recorded in 2023. However, fatalities slightly dropped by 0.20%, from 15,366 in 2023 to 15,335 in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 31 deaths.
District-Wise Trends in Fatalities
Nine districts and cities saw more than a 10% rise in fatalities, with Dhule recording the highest surge at 25%, followed by Sindhudurg at 23.4%. In contrast, 24 districts and cities, including Mumbai, reported a decline in fatalities. However, only four of them recorded a drop of more than 10%. Wardha saw the highest decrease in fatalities at 29.2%, followed by Nashik city at 15.9%. Washim was the only district where the number of fatalities remained unchanged.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Alarming Surge in Fatalities
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway witnessed 184 accidents in 2024, up from 154 in 2023. Fatal accidents on the expressway rose by 23%, while fatalities spiked by 26%. In 2024, 70 fatal accidents led to 82 deaths, compared to 57 fatal accidents and 65 deaths in 2023. Serious accidents on the expressway increased by 41%, while minor accidents saw a 39% rise.
Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway: Drop in Fatalities, Rise in Serious Accidents
The Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway reported a marginal decline in total accidents, from 134 in 2023 to 128 in 2024. This expressway, currently operational only between Nagpur and Igatpuri near Nashik, saw a significant 29% reduction in fatalities and a 2% decrease in fatal accidents. In 2024, 107 people lost their lives in 79 fatal accidents, compared to 151 fatalities in 81 fatal accidents in 2023. However, according to sources the number of serious accidents increased by 35%, even as minor accidents declined by 55%.