Heavy vehicles will get relief on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, speed limit may increase in Ghat section

Vehicles with heavy weights may now be allowed freedom to accelerate again at the Bhor Ghat stretch of the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. Located between Lonavala in Pune district and Khopoli in Raigad district, this is known for the steepest inclines and strict regulations for speed. At present, the maximum speed limit for trucks and buses here is 40 kmph, which is now being considered to be increased to 45-50 kmph.

A joint survey was recently conducted on this issue between the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the Transport Department, the Highway Police, and transporters. Transporters say that the current speed limit is not practical, which not only affects the braking system of vehicles but also leads to frequent e-challans.

It is strictly regulated by utilizing the new Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). Due to this, even with slight acceleration, heavy vehicles are now subject to fines up to Rs 2000, and this increases with repeat offenses. According to transporters, about 30% of the challans in this ghat section of only 10 km are on these vehicles.