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The Mumbai-Pune Exressway is as much a motorists delight as a nightmare. The speed the smooth road allows is also responsible for a large number of accidents. To provide the road-users a measure of safety and comfort, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation is planning an insurance cover for those driving on the 94-km long Expressway. Mr Vikram Bokey, Officer on Special Duty for Expressway Security, Government of Maharashtra, said that "compensation would be paid to the passengers if it is proved that the accident occurred due to a lapse by the MSRDC, or if a stray animal crosses the expressway.'' The toll, however, will remain the same at Rs 100.

Mr Bokey said that the toll collections, which had dipped to Rs 9 lakh in September, have now increased to Rs 23 lakh per day. This meant that about 18,000 vehicles used the expressway daily.

The MSRDC has also set up 16 watchtowers at strategic locations, which allow the Highway Police to have a clear view on either side of the flank. This has brought down the response time during emergencies to three minutes.

Mr Bokey said an online surveillance system is also being set up at a cost Rs 2 crore to improve security. This state-of-the-art system will monitor all vehicles entering the expressway.

A "safety guide" is also being distributed to motorists using the expressway. Done in conjunction with Goodyear India Limited and Autocar India Magazine, the booklet is printed in English and Marathi, but steps are being taken to translate them into all major languages.

The booklet informs motorists how to drive in the high-speed environment of the expressway, and also stresses the importance of vehicle maintenance, especially tyres. It provides motorists information on how to deal with emergencies, and also provides a list of important telephone numbers.

To ensure trouble-free driving on the expressway, emergency telephones have been installed every two kilometres. Mr Bokey said that "if the commuters follow such simple things as lane discipline, and controlled driving", the job of the Highway Police would be easier.

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