Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Heavy Vehicle Speed Limit Likely To Rise To 50 kmph

Authorities are actively considering a proposal to raise the speed limit for heavy vehicles on the steep Bhor Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, currently set at 40 kmph, to a more practical 45-50 kmph. This move follows growing complaints from transport operators who argue that the existing speed cap is not only unrealistic but also contributes to traffic bottlenecks, excessive e-challans, and increased risk of accidents.

Discussions are underway to revise the speed limit for buses and trucks on the downward slope of the Pune-Mumbai lane, commonly known as the Khandala Ghat. A final decision is anticipated soon. Meanwhile, the 60 kmph speed limit for cars on the 10-kilometre ghat stretch is expected to remain unchanged.

Situated between Lonavala (Pune district) and Khalapur (Raigad district), the Bhor Ghat section presents a challenging downhill gradient for heavy vehicles. Transporters and highway officials say the current 40 kmph restriction often necessitates excessive braking, leading to mechanical strain, frequent traffic violations, and safety hazards. Elsewhere on the expressway, the speed limit is 100 kmph for light vehicles and 80 kmph for heavy vehicles.

ITMS Impact and Surge in Fines
The introduction of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), which includes speed-monitoring cameras, has resulted in a surge in e-challans for heavy vehicles. The penalty for a first-time speed violation is Rs 2,000, with steeper fines for repeat offenses. Transporters argue that most violations fall within the 43 to 50 kmph range, highlighting the need for a scientifically justified speed limit.

Operators Cite Operational Risks
Harsh Kotak, a bus operator and representative of the Mumbai Bus Malak Sangh, explained the mechanical challenges of adhering to the 40 kmph cap. "Driving in first gear keeps the speed at 25-28 kmph but causes brake overuse. Second gear pushes the vehicle above the limit, risking e-challans or brake failure," he said. He noted that nearly 30% of all e-challans issued to heavy vehicles occur on this ghat stretch.

Another transporter, KV Shetty, stressed the lack of proper signage and called the current limit "unscientific." He questioned the rationale of labeling it an expressway while restricting heavy vehicles to just 40 kmph.

Authorities Respond
Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar acknowledged the practical difficulties faced by transporters, noting that "it is not feasible to maintain such low speeds on steep descents." He confirmed that MSRDC is in charge of infrastructure-related decisions, while the highway police will ultimately determine the speed limit changes. His department has already submitted several recommendations to the highway police.

An MSRDC official confirmed that a meeting of highway police officials to review the proposed changes is expected soon. However, Additional Director General of Police (Highway) Pravin Salunkhe was not available for comment.

Background
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, named after former chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan, became operational in 2002. In 2024, the expressway recorded 191 accidents, reinforcing concerns around speed limits and road safety, particularly on ghat sections.

(With inputs from PTI)