Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari has asked officials to allow a 20 percent margin above the applicable speed limit before issuing speeding challans on expressways. “Some people are receiving notices on the road due to speed. I have instructed that no notices should be sent for speeds up to 120 kmph,” Gadkari was quoted as saying by PTI. “And even above 120, if someone exceeds it by 20 percent, let them go. If someone goes beyond this, issue a challan.”
The remarks were made at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) National Conference on Highways of India’s Future. If applied to a 120kph limit, the proposed margin would put the challan threshold at 144kph. The minister’s remarks should not be interpreted as a change to prescribed speed limits; motorists should continue to follow posted limits unless formal rules or notifications state otherwise.
Gadkari warns contractors over poor highway quality
Gadkari warned contractors and consultants responsible for poor-quality highway construction and maintenance that they could face blacklisting, bans and financial penalties. “Every pothole will be accounted for,” he said.
He also urged the public to report highway defects on social media, saying the posts had helped officials identify problems. “Social media posts have been helpful in flagging quality issues on highway stretches, and I urge the public to post these problems on social media so that officials cannot hide them,” Gadkari said.
The minister claimed that his monitoring had led to a 30 percent reduction in highway quality issues. He added that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the road transport ministry use Network Survey Vehicles to record road defects, including potholes.
AI-based traffic monitoring to be implemented
Gadkari called on the industry to support artificial intelligence-based Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) to improve highway monitoring and enforcement. The systems are expected to help detect traffic violations, including lane indiscipline and non-compliance with helmet and seatbelt rules.