In view of a rise in fatal road accidents, the police in Karnataka’s Kolar district have banned the movement of slow vehicles such as two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and tractors on the stretch of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway passing through the district. The move comes after more than 15 people were killed in over 10 accidents in the last three months. Officials say the high-speed expressway is not safe for slow-moving vehicles and these vehicles have been found involved in several serious collisions, according to The Hindu.
On June 9, two people died on the spot when a car rammed into a divider near the Hedginbele toll plaza in Malur taluk. The accident prompted the administration to take immediate action, banning vehicles that are considered dangerous to drive on such high-speed roads.
The police have appealed to motorists to follow safety rules and the prescribed speed limit. Also warned that strict compliance of rules will be ensured in the coming time. This ban is part of a comprehensive plan to bring discipline on the road and prevent loss of life and property.
The Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, built for high-speed travel, has the distinction of being South India’s first greenfield expressway, with a speed limit of 120 km per hour. But officials believe that the presence of slow vehicles is not only hindering the smooth movement of traffic, but is also causing serious accidents.
At present, the 68-km toll-free section between Hoskote and Bethamangala in Karnataka is open to the general public, on which about 1,600 to 2,000 vehicles ply daily. Although this part has been opened recently, the frequent incidents have forced the administration to take strict measures.
