Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Rules: Sudden Lane Changes On Expressway To Invite E-Challans; 500 Vehicles Fined In Five Days

Jagran Correspondent, Gurugram: Drivers travelling on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway have been warned against making sudden lane changes, as such violations will now result in e-challans. The new guidelines came into effect on August 1, and nearly 500 vehicles have already been penalised within the first five days of implementation.

The entire expressway is being monitored through a network of cameras, and any violation of traffic rules detected along the route will lead to penalties. The system was first introduced on the Rajasthan section of the expressway and has now been extended to the Haryana section.

Officials believe the move will help reduce accidents, as sudden lane changes at high speeds have emerged as one of the major causes of collisions on the expressway.

Camera Software Updated in Haryana Section

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway was constructed to improve connectivity between Delhi, Mumbai, and several important cities across multiple states.

The expressway has been completed up to Vadodara, with a maximum permitted speed limit of 120 kmph. However, frequent overspeeding and unsafe lane changes by motorists have contributed to several accidents.

Vehicles are permitted to travel at speeds of up to 120 kmph in the third and fourth lanes. The maximum speed limit for the second lane is 100 kmph, while vehicles using the first lane can travel at speeds of up to 80 kmph.

After studying traffic patterns in the Haryana and Rajasthan sections, authorities identified sudden lane changes at high speeds as a key factor behind accidents.

A vehicle travelling at 120 kmph, or even at 80 kmph, can create a dangerous situation if it suddenly shifts lanes. To prevent such incidents, the camera monitoring software in the Rajasthan section was upgraded first, followed by the Haryana section.

Mewat Region Expected to See Maximum Impact

The camera software installed in the Haryana section has now been updated, and automated challans have started being issued for sudden lane changes.

Authorities expect the measure to have the greatest impact in the Mewat region of Haryana, where the number of accidents has been comparatively higher.

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Heavy commercial vehicles, including dumpers and trucks, have been identified as frequent offenders. Many such vehicles suddenly move from the first lane to the second, third, or fourth lane, leaving vehicles approaching from behind with insufficient time to respond, often resulting in accidents.

Cameras Installed Every Two Kilometres

Cameras have been installed every two kilometres along the expressway to ensure continuous monitoring. Each camera covers approximately 500 metres ahead and 500 metres behind, keeping the entire route under surveillance.

Apart from sudden lane changes, challans will also be issued for driving on the wrong side of the road and stopping vehicles outside designated parking areas.

Regular commuter and businessman Nirmal Verma, a resident of Sector 54, who frequently travels on the expressway, said that vehicle speeds have not reduced significantly despite the introduction of challans.

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“The NHAI should also address this issue. After repeated violations, there should be a provision to seize vehicles for at least one month. This will encourage people to follow traffic rules,” he said.

NHAI officials said that the camera software in the Haryana section has been updated and, similar to Rajasthan, challans are now being issued for sudden lane changes.

“Sudden lane changes have been identified as a major reason behind accidents. The new system is expected to reduce traffic violations and improve road safety,” officials said.

PK Kaushik, Project Director, NHAI (Sohna), said that the suggestion of seizing vehicles belonging to repeat offenders could be considered in the future.

“Nothing is more valuable than human life. Every possible step required to save lives will be taken,” he said.