Important Info in case of Trouble on Mumbai – Pune Expressway

I was travelling with my Parents and Family on Mumbai – Pune Expressway on 20th March 2019 – Moving towards Pune. After crossing Lonavla our Innova had a Puncture in one of its tyre’s. We had to stop in the middle of the Expressway at around 8.45pm. I took some immediate decisions.

1. Asked my entire family to Move out and stand much ahead of our Car. This only ensured that if any Heavy Vehicle accidentally bumps in our Car (though Parking Lights were ON) we have some safe passage.

2. Called on 9833498334 on the helpline provided on the expressway. They immediately answered the phone and advised me to speak to 9822498224 which is another Lonavla helpline number.
Much to my pleasant surprise, 2 Administration Personnel of IRDB approached our vehicle in less than 10 Mins.

Further, we had another issue – Our driver and vehicle had no proper means (it was a private car) to remove the Spare Tyre and he was struggling on this front. Immediately the Personnel from IRDB helped and called a Technician (mind you this was a Day of Holi) and they forced him to come down.

While the mechanic was busy doing the amends, the security Personnel secured the passage behind our Car by putting Safety Neon Sign Boards and one stood with a Torch Light to protect any vehicle coming near to our car.

One interesting thing and the reason for Writing all this
I was informed and made knowledgable by the Security Personnel that in such situations there is a way to inform the security helpline number, your whereabouts on the expressway (which I was not earlier aware and was not able to convey in my earlier communications on the helpline)

On the white Strips on the expressway, there are number codes and duly painted at every 10 feet distance. This number has got 2 digits engraved (an example is shown below)

63
—-
100

The number 63 denotes the KM distance from the start of the expressway and 100 denotes the distance in feet after reaching 63 km. This codification continues till the end of the expressway in increasing order of Kms and subsequent intermediate distances in Feet

Once you convey the information to the helpline number it’s very easy for them to find out your exact location and reach you faster. In the night also, if one sees properly, the number is visible. It is painted after every 10ft with an increasing number towards the destination of Pune and is painted on both sides of the expressway.

Our car was finally done and the Security personnel stayed till the entire duration with us and even helped to amend the Car. (very welcome move)

On offering some token of appreciation they politely said no and said: “This is our Duty”. The entire process took almost 45 mins.

Please note all the information above may find useful to those who are not aware. In addition, see that your vehicle (if hired from 3rd Party) has got proper tools and a right Stand by Tyre in case of Emergency.

Have a safe journey!

This helpful article curated from the web.