Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Speed Limit Review on Ghat Section Amid Safety Concerns

A potential adjustment to the speed limit for heavy vehicles on the Bhor Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is being considered by the state transport department. Currently, the speed limit is set at 40 km/h, but there’s a proposal to increase it to 50 km/h. Truck and bus drivers have raised concerns that the existing limit is not practical or safe. The ghat section, approximately 10 km long, is recognized as a challenging part of the expressway. Discussions are underway, and a decision could be made soon. The current speed limit for cars on this stretch is 60 km/h. Other sections of the expressway permit speeds of 100 km/h for small vehicles and 80 km/h for heavy vehicles. The transport industry argues that the low speed necessitates constant braking, potentially resulting in accidents. The ITMS has recorded a rise in violations, with many fines issued due to the existing speed limit. A joint inspection has been carried out by relevant authorities, and further meetings are scheduled. Drivers have also raised concerns about the lack of adequate warning signs. This expressway, operational since 2002, has seen numerous accidents, particularly in the Bhor Ghat area.