Viraj.DeshpandeNagpur: The Highway Police have launched a 24-hour special drive against drunk driving on the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Expressway, deploying 15 dedicated teams across the at the entry point of the expressway in Nagpur to curb accidents caused by motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.The special enforcement campaign is being carried out under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (Highway), Nagpur Region, Lohit Matani in coordination with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Officials said five teams will be deployed in each eight-hour shift, ensuring continuous enforcement throughout the day and night. The teams will be stationed at strategic locations along the expressway, including toll plazas, interchanges, rest areas and accident-prone stretches.Police said the campaign aims to reduce the number of road accidents on the access-controlled expressway by targeting one of the major causes of fatal crashes—drunk driving. All teams will be equipped with breath analysers to check motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.Drivers found violating the law will face strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable legal provisions. Officials said cases will be registered against offenders and legal action will be initiated without exception.The Highway Police said the intensive drive is part of a broader strategy to strengthen enforcement on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, which witnesses heavy movement of private vehicles and commercial transport. The deployment of dedicated teams in three shifts is expected to ensure continuous surveillance and improve compliance with traffic regulations.SP Matani appealed to motorists not to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel. “Driving under the influence not only endangers the driver’s life but also puts other road users at serious risk. A moment of negligence can result in a fatal accident,” he said.The Highway Police urged commuters to strictly adhere to traffic rules and cooperate with enforcement personnel during the checks. Officials reiterated that the objective of the campaign is to enhance road safety and prevent avoidable accidents on one of Maharashtra’s busiest expressways.The police also issued a public message to motorists: “Don’t drink and drive. Travel safely, arrive safely.”
