Pune : 40 KMPS Speed Limit Regulations for Heavy Vehicles travelling between Katraj Tunnel and Navale Bridge : Vijay Magar

In an effort to reduce the frequency of accidents on the Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vijayakumar Magar has introduced speed limit regulations for heavy vehicles traveling between Katraj Tunnel and Navale Bridge.

To address the recurring accidents on this particular stretch of the highway, an investigative committee consisting of the Transport Branch, Project Director, Superintending Engineer, Public Works Board Pune Regional Transport Officer, and Regional Transport Office in Pune was formed. The committee conducted a thorough examination of the area between the Katraj Tunnel and Navle Bridge and subsequently submitted a comprehensive report with several recommendations for accident prevention measures.

The committee found that heavy vehicles, especially those carrying substantial loads, were primarily responsible for fatal and severe accidents on the Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway between the New Katraj Tunnel and Navle Bridge. According to research conducted by Paveto, the braking systems of these heavy cargo vehicles often malfunction when traveling at high speeds through the hilly terrain, leading to the drivers losing control of their vehicles. Recognizing the seriousness of this issue, the committee extensively discussed speed control measures and unanimously recommended a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour for heavy-loaded vehicles plying between Katraj Tunnel and Navle Bridge.

It is crucial to ensure the safety of the community by exerting control over large vehicles passing through this region and preventing accidents. 

Acting on these recommendations, Vijayakumar Magar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic Division in Pune City, issued speed limit orders under sections 115, 118(1)(2)(b), 118(4), and 157 of the Motor Vehicles Act. These orders apply to all types of heavy vehicles, including tractor-trailer combination trucks-trailers, articulated vehicles, multi-axle vehicles, containers, and large goods vehicles. The speed limits will be implemented on an experimental basis from May 19 to May 25.

According to the emergency order, a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour has been set for all types of heavy vehicles, excluding essential services vehicles, traveling between Katraj Tunnel and Navale Bridge on the Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway. Hourly speed limits will be enforced to ensure compliance and enhance safety measures.