Cars can drive to 70 kmph in cities, Nitin Gadkari clears proposal

NEW DELHI: The Union Government has cleared proposal to increase the maximum speed limit on city roads at 70 km per hour for cars, 60 kmph for cargo carriers and 50 kmph for two-wheelers. The state governments or local authorities can reduce speed limits for the different category of the vehicles with the purpose to keeping safety of other road users. Till now, the transport ministry had scheduled the national maximum speed limit for different categories of vehicles. But, those roads where local authorities have not set up a speed limit would be left out. The maximum speed allowed by the local authorities on roads in city areas at around 40-50 kmph. “Since the state and its agencies have full authority to reduce the limit, they can now decide on which stretches they can allow vehicles to ply at the limit set by the Centre,” an official said. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday, March 14, granted the proposal for maximum speed limit for different types of vehicles on four categories of roads. A committee headed by joint secretary (transport) Abhay Damle had recommended higher speed limits on expressways and for buses on highways.