Heavy vehicles will get relief on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, speed limit may increase in Ghat section
Speed Limit, Mumbai-Pune Expressway Speed Limit: Heavy vehicles may get some relief in terms of speed in the Bhor Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The existing limit of 40 kmph on this section is being considered to be increased to 45 to 50 kmph.
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.
Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar also admitted that it is practically difficult to maintain such a low speed on the slope. He said that this matter comes under the jurisdiction of the Highway Police, and the department has sent several letters in this regard.
According to an official, the Highway Police may soon call a meeting to make a decision on this. A total of 191 road accidents were recorded in 2024 on this expressway, which started in 2002.
