Kolar District Implements Ban on Slow Vehicles on Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway

New Restrictions on Slow Vehicles

In response to a surge in deadly road incidents, authorities in Kolar district, Karnataka, have prohibited the operation of slow-moving vehicles, including two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and tractors, on the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway that traverses the area. This decision follows a troubling trend where over 15 fatalities occurred in more than 10 accidents within the past three months. Officials have indicated that the expressway, designed for high-speed travel, poses significant risks for slower vehicles, which have been implicated in numerous severe collisions.

A tragic incident on June 9, where two individuals lost their lives after a car crashed into a divider near the Hedginbele toll plaza in Malur taluk, prompted swift action from the local administration to ban vehicles deemed unsafe for such high-speed environments.

Law enforcement has urged drivers to adhere to safety regulations and the established speed limits, emphasizing that strict enforcement of these rules will be prioritized moving forward. This ban is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing road safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.

The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, recognized as South India's inaugural greenfield expressway, allows speeds of up to 120 km/h. However, officials argue that the presence of slow vehicles not only disrupts traffic flow but also contributes to serious accidents.

Currently, the toll-free segment spanning 68 kilometers between Hoskote and Bethamangala is accessible to the public, with an estimated daily traffic of 1,600 to 2,000 vehicles. Despite its recent opening, the frequency of accidents has compelled the authorities to enforce stringent measures.