Automated Speed Monitoring Introduced on Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway; Violators to Receive E-Challans
In an effort to improve road safety and reduce accidents on the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have deployed an automated speed enforcement system along the route.
Under the new arrangement, motorists exceeding the prescribed speed limits will automatically receive e-challans on their registered mobile numbers.
To monitor traffic, authorities have installed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and speed detection systems between Ganadeva in Navsari district and Vadodara. A total of 10 camera units have been placed at intervals of around 10 kilometres in both directions to track vehicle speeds and identify violations.
As per the revised speed regulations, cars can travel at a maximum speed of 120 kmph on the expressway. Buses and trucks will be restricted to 100 kmph, while heavier commercial vehicles will have a maximum speed limit of 80 kmph.
Authorities have also specified speed limits for individual lanes:
- First lane: Up to 60 kmph
- Second lane: Up to 80 kmph
- Third lane: Up to 100 kmph
- Fourth lane: Reserved exclusively for overtaking and not for continuous driving
Officials said drivers violating the speed limits will face an e-challan of Rs 1,500. If the same vehicle is caught overspeeding again at another checkpoint, the penalty may increase to Rs 2,000. Vehicles travelling more than 10 kmph above the permissible limit could attract an additional challan of Rs 3,000.
For trucks and multi-axle vehicles, overspeeding violations will invite a penalty of Rs 4,000.
The stricter enforcement measures have been introduced following a series of accidents on the eight-lane expressway, which has been fully operational for two-way traffic since January 10. According to NHAI officials, more than 60 accidents have occurred on the corridor over the past five months, resulting in over 10 fatalities.
Authorities hope that the automated monitoring system will improve compliance with speed regulations and help make the expressway safer for all road users.