Vadodara: Overspeeding on the Vadodara–Navsari stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will now attract penalties, with authorities introducing an automated vehicle speed detection system to curb reckless driving and reduce accidents on the high-speed corridor. Drivers exceeding the prescribed speed limit, particularly car users crossing 120 kmph, will receive an e-challan of Rs 1,500 directly on their registered mobile phones.

The initiative has been jointly implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) following a series of fatal accidents on the expressway. Since the opening of the Vadodara–Navsari section of the expressway earlier this year, repeated violations of speed regulations have reportedly resulted in nearly 60 accidents within just five months, claiming more than 10 lives.

To improve road safety and strengthen enforcement, a vehicle speed detection system has now been installed along the Gandeva (Navsari)–Vadodara stretch of the expressway. Cameras have been placed at intervals of 10 km in both directions to monitor vehicle speeds and identify violators.

The technology setup includes an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system integrated with vehicle speed detection mechanisms. Vehicles exceeding prescribed speed limits will be identified instantly, following which a challan notification will be automatically sent to the registered mobile number of the vehicle owner.

Authorities have also prescribed speed limits for different categories of vehicles. While the speed limit for cars has been fixed at 120 kmph, buses and trucks can travel at speeds of up to 100 kmph, while vehicles with more than four axles are restricted to 80 kmph.

Officials said the penalty structure has also been strengthened. A fine of Rs 1,500 will be imposed for the first overspeeding violation detected within a 10-km stretch. If the same vehicle is caught speeding again at a subsequent checkpoint, the penalty may increase to Rs 2,000. DeshGujarat