Question : Speed Limit

(a) the speed limit within which the commuters can ply their vehicle in all National Highways;

(b) whether the Government is considering increasing the speed limit on highways to 100 kmph. and on the upcoming new access controlled expressways to 120 kmph.;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether his Ministry will soon set up a committee of experts to delibrate on the issue, if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether increasing the speed limit is possible considering poor safety standards on roads that witness the highest road accident deaths in the world, if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(f) whether the Government is aware about the difficulties being faced by the commercial tourist vehicle operators/ association due to recent notification of speed governor, if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) The Government has notified S.O. 1997(E) dated 5th August, 2014 fixing the maximum speed in kilometres per hour in respect of the different class of motor vehicles, which is as under:-

Sl. No. Class of Motor Vehicles Maximum speed per hour in Kilometers
(1) (2) (3)
1. Motor Vehicles used for carriage of passengers comprising nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat 80
2. Motor vehicles used for carriage of passengers comprising not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat 100
3. Motor vehicles used for carriage of goods 80
4. Quadricycle 70
5. Three wheeled vehicles 60
6. Motor cycles 80

This Ministry has issued notifications GSR 290(E) dated 15.04.2015 and GSR 424(E) dated 01.05.2017 mandating fitment of speed governor on certain category of transport vehicles with maximum pre-set speed of 80 kmph and for transport vehicles like dumpers, tankers, school buses, those carrying hazardous goods with maximum speed of 60 kmph.

(b) to (e) A committee has been constituted to review the speed limit of various classes of motor vehicles and make suitable recommendations to the Government.

(f) References in this regard have been received. A court case Writ Petition No. 13351 of 2017 filed by M/s. Motor Vehicles & Allied, Industries Association V/s Union of India and Ors. in the Hon’ble High Court of Madras.
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