Minister Wants Speed Limit To Increase: 140kmph On Expressways, 120kmph On Highways?

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has now proposed that the maximum speed limit on Indian roads should now be increased by at least 20 kilometers per hour. 

Read on to find out the reason he has asked for an increase in the speed limit!

Minister For Transport And Highway Asks To Increase Speed Limit

Nitin Gadkar, who is the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has now requested the officials of his ministry to find out if the maximum speed limit for vehicles can be allowed to be increased. The officials of the ministry have been asked to explore ways to increase the speed limits by at least 20 kilometers per hour (kmph).

He is of the opinion that the country now has better roads and vehicles should now be allowed to move at higher speeds. He was speaking at a meeting with his officials. 

He also talked about the issue that the speed limits were not uniform across the country and stated that this is confusing for the drivers. 

As of now, the speed limits across the country are different over short distances of roads, which is because of the different speed limits that have been set by local police for roads under their jurisdiction.

Quality Of Highways In India Has Improved?

A senior minister at the meeting said, “The subject of revising the existing speed limits and increasing them by 20kmph was discussed at the meeting. This is because the quality of highways have improved (over the past few years) and can allow vehicles to travel at a higher speed.”

Another source in the ministry has explained that the current speed limits were set in 2014-15. Also, after that, the quality of highways has improved a lot.

As of now, the ministry has notified that the maximum speed limit for cars is 100 kmph on national highways and 120kmph on expressways. Also, the speed limits vary for two-wheeler and heavy vehicles, such as trucks. Also, the speed limit on highways and expressways is 80kmph for bikes and 100 kmph for heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks.

Officials in the ministry have confirmed that they are pondering over Gadkari’s suggestion to increase the speed limits on roads. However, there is no specific timeline has been set for the introduction of the revised speed limits.