Nagpur: In a significant step towards strengthening road safety on one of India’s busiest expressways, SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF), in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz India, has equipped the Nagpur City Police with advanced enforcement tools to tackle drunk and drug-impaired driving.
Under this initiative, SLF formally handed over two drug testing kits and ten breath analysers to the Nagpur City Police. The equipment was presented at the Police Commissionerate in the presence of Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal and SaveLIFE Foundation Founder and CEO Piyush Tewari.
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The initiative has been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nagpur City Police and SaveLIFE Foundation, facilitated by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic & Cyber) Lohit Matani.
The move is aimed at improving enforcement on the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, a 701-km greenfield expressway connecting Nagpur and Mumbai. Known for its high traffic volume and speed, the corridor has been a focal point for road safety interventions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents. In 2023 alone, over 3,600 deaths across India were attributed to such offences. The deployment of modern breath analysers and rapid drug testing kits will enable traffic police to conduct quick, evidence-based checks, deter risky behaviour, and take strict action against offenders.
Following the handover, 25 traffic police officers underwent hands-on training sessions. The training covered:
• Usage and operation of drug testing devices and breath analysers
• Calibration techniques
• Field enforcement protocols
The programme is designed to equip frontline officers with the technical expertise required for effective enforcement, both within city limits and along the Samruddhi Expressway.
This initiative is part of SaveLIFE Foundation’s Zero Fatality Corridor (ZFC) programme, which adopts a comprehensive approach to road safety. The programme focuses on four key pillars:
• Engineering
• Education
• Enforcement
• Emergency Care
Currently, the ZFC programme is being implemented across 100 high-risk corridors in India in partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Mercedes-Benz India is supporting this initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, reinforcing its commitment to safer roads in the country.
Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal said:
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and effective enforcement is a critical pillar. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a serious threat not only to the driver but to all road users. These advanced tools will significantly enhance our ability to detect and act against such offences, especially on the Samruddhi Expressway. We are grateful to SaveLIFE Foundation and Mercedes-Benz India for their support.”
Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, added:
“Every road crash death is preventable. Driving under the influence is one of the most avoidable causes of accidents. Providing modern enforcement tools and training officers is a decisive step towards achieving zero fatalities on the Samruddhi Expressway. Together, with the right mix of technology, training, and enforcement, we can save lives.”
About the organizations
SaveLIFE Foundation is an independent non-profit organization working since 2008 to improve road safety and emergency medical care across India. It played a key role in the implementation of India’s Good Samaritan Law and pioneered the Zero Fatality Corridor model, which led to a 58% reduction in road crash deaths on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The organization was awarded the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Innovation in 2024.
Mercedes-Benz India Limited (MBIL), a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, actively supports initiatives in road safety, education, healthcare, and skill development through its CSR programmes. Its partnership with SaveLIFE Foundation reflects its long-term commitment to making Indian roads safer.
