Speed Limit for Heavy Vehicles on Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Ghat Section Likely to Increase Soon
Speed Limit for Heavy Vehicles on Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Ghat Section Likely to Increase Soon
Authorities consider revising 40 kmph speed cap to 45–50 kmph on Bhor Ghat stretch after transporters cite traffic slowdowns and frequent e-challans
Pune/Mumbai | June 22, 2025: The speed limit for heavy vehicles on the Bhor Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway may soon be increased from the current 40 kmph to 45-50 kmph, as per ongoing deliberations between transport authorities and transporters. The move comes after several complaints from bus and truck operators, who claim the current cap leads to unnecessary penalties, traffic congestion, and is scientifically flawed for the steep descent.
This key stretch, also known as the Khandala Ghat, lies between Lonavala in Pune district and Khalapur in Raigad. While the speed limit for cars on the 10-km ghat section remains 60 kmph and 100 kmph on the rest of the expressway, heavy vehicles currently face a lower limit of 40 kmph in the ghat and 80 kmph elsewhere on the expressway.
A joint survey involving the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), highway police, state transport officials, and transporters was conducted recently to evaluate the feasibility of revising the limit. Many survey participants termed the 40 kmph limit as “unscientific,” arguing that it increases the risk of brake failure, fuel wastage, and maintenance costs, while also clogging the expressway’s downhill traffic.
The implementation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), with speed-monitoring cameras along the expressway, has led to a spike in e-challans for buses and trucks. A single speed violation attracts a ₹2,000 fine, which escalates for repeat offenses.
Transporters have been lobbying for a realistic speed adjustment, and officials have reportedly responded positively. However, a final decision is expected after a review meeting by the highway police.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India’s first access-controlled expressway, was inaugurated in 2002 and named after former chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan. In 2024 alone, it recorded 191 accidents, with many on the ghat section involving heavy vehicles navigating the steep descent.
