The upcoming week brings a revision to the speed limit on the Yamuna Expressway. Effective from December 15, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), responsible for toll collection, announces a new speed limit of 75 kmph for all vehicles. This adjustment, aimed at enhancing road safety, represents a reduction of 25 kmph from the standard speed limit.
The standard speed limit on the Yamuna Expressway, typically set at 100 kmph, undergoes a temporary reduction to 75 kmph starting from December 15. This precautionary measure aims to address the challenges posed by heavy fog during winter, a recurring factor contributing to accidents and pile-ups on the 165-km long expressway. The revised speed limit is expected to remain in effect for a minimum of two months.
Given the frequency of accidents during winter months, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has communicated with Jaypee Infratech, the entity responsible for expressway maintenance. Arun Veer Singh, CEO of YEIDA, emphasized the decision’s focus on enhancing safety, stating, “Reducing the speed makes driving a little safer. It has been decided to reduce it.” YEIDA has requested Jaypee Infratech to outline safety measures and address the potential risks.
YEIDA further urged Jaypee Infratech to install warning signs, educate commuters about traffic regulations and weather conditions, and distribute informative pamphlets at toll plazas. Singh stated, “We have also asked JIL to distribute pamphlets to commuters at all toll plazas informing them about rules, safety tips and how following rules can ensure their safety.” The directive includes initiatives such as radio announcements at toll plazas, providing hot tea to drivers for alertness, and emphasizing the use of fog lights upon entering the expressway.
The revised speed limits on the Yamuna Expressway, effective from December 15 to February 15 next year, entail a reduced speed of 75 kmph for light vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. Heavy vehicles like trucks and buses will have a speed limit set at 60 kmph. Authorities emphasize strict enforcement, warning that violators will face a ₹2,000 fine for each instance of overspeeding on the expressway during this period.
This decision aligns with efforts to address safety concerns during winter months, marked by heavy fog contributing to accidents. The latest road accident data reveals 341 reported incidents between January and October this year, resulting in 80 fatalities. In 2022, 310 accidents led to 105 deaths and injuries to 675 individuals. The temporary speed limit reduction aims to mitigate risks and enhance safety on the Yamuna Expressway.