Nitin Gadkari Clarifies Speed Challan Rules on Expressways: No Fines Within 20% of Speed Limit

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has shared details of proposed enforcement guidelines for speeding on expressways. Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event on the future of Indian highways, he said officials had been advised not to issue speed challans to vehicles travelling within the prescribed limit or up to 20% above it. The move is intended to address complaints about unnecessary speeding notices issued to motorists on expressways such as the Delhi–Mumbai corridor. For instance, on a stretch where the prescribed speed limit is 120 kmph, the 20% margin would extend to 144 kmph. Challans would be issued when vehicles exceed that threshold, as per the guidance he described.

Gadkari also proposed introducing an Artificial Intelligence-based Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) on national highways to improve traffic regulation and road safety. The system could help monitor whether motorists follow traffic rules and maintain lane discipline. He highlighted the importance of buses, trucks and cars travelling in their designated lanes to reduce accidents. However, speed limits vary depending on the road and vehicle category. Motorists must continue to follow the speed-limit signs displayed on each route. The minister's remarks should not be interpreted as a blanket change to speed limits or challan rules across all highways.