Rising Wildlife Fatalities On Mumbai-Pune Expressway Prompt Call For Caution From Drivers

Pune, 24th December 2024: Recently, there have been several instances of wild animals suffering due to high speeds on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, with accidents occurring in the area. The Maharashtra Forest Department has urged motorists to slow down in forested areas and honk if they spot an animal, to help prevent further accidents.

The speed limits on the expressway were increased due to traffic congestion. Light vehicles are now permitted a speed limit of 100 km/h, while heavy vehicles have a speed limit of 80 km/h.

From Urse to Khalapur, the expressway runs through forested areas, increasing the likelihood of wildlife encounters. To prevent animals from entering the expressway, compounds have been constructed on both sides. However, wild animals like Southern red muntjacs, deer, and leopards can jump over the compound and escape the forest. Over the past 25 years, three leopards, two hyenas, and three Southern red muntjacs have died on the expressway. Many rabbits and smaller animals continue to be killed there as well.

Range Forest Officer of Vadgaon Maval, Prakash Shinde, stated, “To prevent animals from being killed in road accidents, instruction boards should be installed along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Motorists should slow down in forested areas.”