Heavy vehicles descending on the Bhor Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway may soon be allowed to speed up.
The state transport authorities are actively considering a proposal to increase the speed limit from the current 40 kmph to 45–50 kmph amid rising complaints from transporters and drivers who call the current restriction "unscientific" and "unrealistic".
The 10-km stretch, located between Lonavala in Pune district and Khopoli in Raigad district, is known for its steep slopes and speed limits. Currently, the maximum speed limit for trucks and buses here is 40 kmph, which is now being considered for increasing to 45-50 kmph.
Meanwhile, current speed limit of 60 kmph for cars in the 10-km ghat section, commonly known as Khandala ghat, is unlikely to be changed. On other stretches of the country's first access-controlled expressway, the speed limit is 100 kmph for smaller vehicles and 80 kmph for heavy vehicles.
A joint survey was recently conducted on the issue between the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the Transport Department, the Highway Police and transporters. Transporters say the current speed limit is not practical and not only affects the braking system of vehicles but also leads to frequent e-challans.
With the help of the new Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), speed is being strictly monitored. Due to this, heavy vehicles have to pay a fine of up to INR 2000 even for minor speeding, which increases further in case of repeated violations.
Nearly 30% of the e-challans on the ghat stretch are issued to heavy vehicles for speeds between 43 and 50 kmph—just marginally above the prescribed limit.
Traffic Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar also admitted that it is practically difficult to maintain such a low speed on the slope. He said that this matter falls 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 take a decision on this. In 2024, a total of 191 road accidents were reported on this expressway, which was opened in 2002.
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