Mumbai: Several cars travelling late Tuesday night on the Samruddhi Expressway from Nagpur to Mumbai were forced to stop suddenly after their tyres were punctured due to rows of sharp nails hammered into the road surface on a bridge.
A video that has surfaced on the internet shows scenes from the expressway where nails can be seen fixed in rows on the bridge. The video, shot at night, shows slow traffic moving from a lane beside, where the nails are fixed.
How Did Nails Show Up On An Expressway?
At first, commuters suspected foul play, fearing that miscreants had planted the nails as part of a robbery attempt. However, later, checks revealed that the nails had actually been fixed by a road construction company working on repairs in the area.
According to reports, several motorists questioned why there was no barricading or warning signage if repair activity was underway. They also demanded answers as to why the nails were placed hurriedly at night, instead of during the day, when the problem could have been addressed transparently without causing distress to commuters. The situation could have been far worse, with many pointing out that punctured tyres at high speed on the expressway could have led to major accidents or fatalities.
The Samruddhi Expressway, often described as Maharashtra’s 'corridor of prosperity,' has repeatedly faced criticism for recurring accidents and lapses in planning since its inauguration.
MSRDC Issues Clarification Over Incident, Action Taken Against Contractor
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) issued a clarification after the video went viral on the internet claiming that nails were behind multiple tyre bursts on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. Refuting the claims, MSRDC stated that the damage occurred due to ongoing repair work near Chain No. 442+460, where minor cracks had been identified on two lanes of the expressway.
MSRDC Issues Clarification Over Incident, Action Taken Against Contractor |
To fix the cracks, engineers used epoxy grouting, which involved installing aluminium nozzles temporarily. Some vehicles crossing the stretch before the nozzles were removed experienced punctures. MSRDC confirmed that the repair work was completed and all nozzles were taken out by 5 am on September 10, after which traffic flow returned to normal.
The authority admitted that adequate traffic security measures, such as barricading and diversions, were not properly implemented at the site, causing inconvenience to motorists. In response, punitive action has been initiated against the contractor responsible for handling the repair zone. MSRDC stressed that there was no deliberate act of sabotage and that corrective measures are now being enforced to prevent such incidents in future.
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