Speed limit for bikes on WE Highway set at 50 kph | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Speed limit for bikes on WE Highway set at 50 kph

None | By, Mumbai
Nov 21, 2006 05:06 AM IST

This is the maximum speed limit fixed for motorcyclists on the Western Express Highway, between Bandra to Andheri, reports Debasish Panigrahi.

Fifty kilometers per hour… This is the maximum speed limit fixed for motorcyclists on the Western Express Highway, between Bandra to Andheri, from Monday midnight. "The violators would be penalised heavily," warned Additional Commissioner of Police (West region) Bipin Bihari.

HT Image
HT Image

In fact, what prompted Bihari to introduce the harsh rule, essentially in consultation with the traffic police, was the spate of fatal accidents reported in the western suburbs during the past one week, with speed (rash) and drunken driving emerging as the primary reason behind the mishaps. "I know such moves (of enforcing speed limits) is basically the traffic police's job. But we have already consulted with them before enforcing such a move," he added. A similar speed limit already exists on the Eastern Express Highway.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The move comes as an addition to another initiative taken by the west region police from Monday midnight--closing down the completed stretch on the Worli-Bandra sea link for good. This was hastened by the terrible motorcycle accident in Bandra on Saturday night in which one person was killed while the man on the pillion was seriously injured.

"We have decided to shut entry into that road completely so that those speeding motorcyclists don't use it again in future. In fact, they are using it as a racetrack. Closure is the only way to stop their nuisance in the area and inconvenience to others," Bihari added.

For the closure of the Worli-Bandra sea link, the police have blocked it by putting up barricades. However, the police can ill afford to put up barricades on the busy Western Express highway, the arterial trade route connecting Mumbai and Ahmadabad. "Rather we have decided to deploy speed radars, and a patrol vehicle accompanying it, in the 12-13 kilometre stretch," Bihari said adding that the radars would be deployed at least six places. However, instead of fixed points, they would be fixed on mobile units.

The decision to put up radars in the Bandra-Andheri stretch was taken in keeping in mind the fact that the bikers and speeding motorists may turn to the high way following the strict vigil maintained on their traditional race tracks in Bandra. Bihari warned that repeated offenders' licenses would be impounded on the spot.

Email debasish.panigrahi@hindustantimes.com

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Debasish has been an investigative reporter for nearly two decades, covering crime, legal and social issues. He is also interested in wildlife, travel and environmental issues.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On