Rising Accidents on Hyderabad ORR Trigger Demand for Lower Speed Limit

Hyderabad’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) has witnessed growing concerns over road accidents allegedly linked to overspeeding and traffic violations. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has written to Transport Commissioner Ilambarthi, requesting that the maximum speed limit be reduced from 120 kmph to 100 kmph. On October 9, Ilambarthi wrote to Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), seeking the same change. Both officials pointed out that the speed limit was increased in July 2023 without a scientific study. The ORR speed limit remained at 100 kmph until July 27, 2023, before being raised to 120 kmph from July 28. The issue was also discussed at length at the Secretariat on September 18.

Joint inspections reportedly identified several traffic violations on the ORR, including the entry of two-wheelers, dangerous zigzag driving while overtaking, slow-moving water tankers watering plants along the median and vehicles stopping suddenly. Officials said these practices pose serious safety risks and contradict the corridor’s “Safety with Speed” objective. The ORR Accident Prevention Committee has also raised concerns over the reduction in patrolling vehicles from 19 to just seven or eight, against an estimated requirement of at least 30. Accident figures show 1,545 and 1,562 cases in 2016 and 2017, respectively, when the speed limit was 120 kmph. After it was reduced to 100 kmph, reported accidents stood at 618 in 2018, 782 in 2019, 641 in 2020, 840 in 2021 and 1,029 in 2022. Following the return to a 120 kmph limit in 2023, the figures rose to 1,402 in 2023 and 1,592 in 2024. Officials have urged the authorities to review the speed limit and strengthen road safety measures.