Emergency calling booths to come up on Mumbai-Pune Expressway

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is one of Maharashtra’s busiest highways. File pic

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has signed an agreement with a telecom operator to provide network support to all the emergency calling booths set up every two kilometres along the 95 km stretch of the Mumbai Pune Expressway. However, the experts question its efficacy.

As part of the agreement, a leading telecom operator will offer network support to the calling booths, aiming to facilitate public communication during emergencies. An MSRDC official said, "In case of emergency, motorists or commuters using the expressway will be able to directly contact the state highway police control room. The emergency calling booths and state highway police control room will be equipped with a SIM card provided by the telecom operator to maintain uniformity and prevent network disruptions. Meanwhile, MSRDC will manage other aspects such as equipment maintenance and responding to commuter queries."

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is one of Maharashtra's busiest highways, used by thousands of vehicles daily. While most commuters carry mobile phones, instances occur where individuals are unsure whom to contact or how to explain their location during emergencies.

Transport expert Jitendra Gupta said, "Existing booths may be necessary during emergencies when a vehicle is immobile. However, reaching a booth on foot, even if it's just a kilometre away, could take 10 to 15 minutes, a crucial time in a medical emergency. With mobile phones prevalent, reaching emergency services via phone is simpler and faster. Efficiency could improve further with increased CCTV and patrol vigilance."

In 2005-2006, approximately 40 emergency telephone booths were installed on the Mumbai Pune Expressway, but they ceased functioning. In 2017, around 190 non-functional emergency telephone booths were repaired and reinstalled.