Vadodara: The vehicle speed detection system installed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to control the speed of vehicles running recklessly on the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway became operational on Thursday. On the first day itself, 178 drivers were caught by the cameras for overspeeding, and e-challans were issued to them.

According to the information received, the number of accidents had been continuously increasing after the opening of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. To curb accidents, strict action has been taken against overspeeding by the NHAI and the RTO.

A total of 150 speed detection cameras have been installed by the NHAI at every 10 km along the 188 km stretch from Vadodara to Navsari. The speed of vehicles will be continuously monitored through these cameras.

Separate speed limits have been prescribed for each of the four lanes in both directions of the expressway. The first lane is limited to 60 kmph, the second lane to 80 kmph, and the third lane to 100 kmph, while the fourth lane is to be used only for overtaking.

As per the rules, the maximum speed limit for cars is 120 kmph, for trucks 100 kmph, and for multi-axle vehicles 80 kmph. Drivers caught speeding will be issued an e-challan of ₹2,000 for the first offence, while an additional challan of ₹3,000 will be issued if the vehicle is found speeding more than 10 kmph above the prescribed speed limit. Truck and multi-axle vehicle drivers will have to pay a fine of ₹4,000 for overspeeding. DeshGujarat