India to Show Leniency on Speed Violations Up to 144 kmph: Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a more lenient approach to speed limit enforcement on Indian roads, directing officials to exercise restraint when issuing traffic violations. Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry event, Gadkari stated that drivers should not face penalties for speeds up to 120 kmph on highways where this limit is posted. The directive extends tolerance to vehicles traveling up to 144 kmph, representing a 20 percent buffer above the stipulated speed limit. Gadkari's instruction reflects a pragmatic approach to traffic enforcement, acknowledging the gap between legal speed limits and actual driving conditions on Indian highways. The decision aims to balance road safety concerns with the practical realities of highway transportation in the country. The minister's announcement suggests a shift in enforcement philosophy, potentially reducing the number of speeding violations issued by traffic police across major routes.

Photo: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari speaks at a conference on sustainable transport finance in New Delhi, September 2022. Press Information Bureau, Government of India, via Wikimedia Commons (GODL-India).