Massive Fines Totaling Over ₹8 Crore Imposed on Speeding Drivers in Delhi NCR, Triggering Safety Concerns Amid Numerous Fatal Accidents

Huge Fines Being Charged on Delhi NCR Routes

Drivers in the Delhi NCR region are facing hefty fines for violating speed limits on national highways. A recent report from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) revealed that over 33,000 vehicles were caught exceeding speed limits, leading to fines totaling around Rs 7.5 crore. Most of these fines have already been recovered.

The situation is alarming, with more than 20 fatalities reported in over 12 significant accidents in the past year on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) and Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), all attributed to high-speed driving.

In addition to speed violations, authorities have also issued fines to 3,391 vehicles for driving in the wrong direction and to 454 vehicles for illegal parking, accumulating a total fine of Rs 8.20 crore from 41,290 vehicles.

Details of Major Accidents

Several serious accidents have raised concerns about road safety:

– On July 11, 2023, a school bus driving in the opposite direction collided with a car on the DME, resulting in six deaths.
– On June 15, 2024, a truck collided with a canter on the EPE, killing four people and injuring over 15 others.
– On March 31, 2024, a dumper hit schoolchildren in front of ABES College on the DME, leading to the death of the driver and two children, with nine others injured.

Traffic Monitoring and Regulations

Over two lakh vehicles travel daily on the DME and EPE. To enhance safety, CCTV cameras monitor vehicle speeds, and digital display boards remind drivers of speed limits. Currently, speed limits are set at 120 km/h for light vehicles on the EPE, while the DME has limits of 100 km/h for light vehicles and 75 km/h for heavy vehicles.

Recently, on the Yamuna Expressway, more than 4,000 vehicles were fined for exceeding the maximum speed limit of 75 km/h, leading to a total fine of over Rs 86 lakh. Starting February 15, 2024, the speed limit will be restored to 100 km/h for light vehicles, as the weather conditions have improved.

In summary, with ongoing efforts to enforce traffic regulations, authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to speed limits to ensure safer journeys on these highways.