65 kmph at night, 55 kmph in the day: Delhi-Meerut Expressway's new speed limit system explained

Commuters on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway will face different speed limits at different times of the day from August 15 — under what officials have described as India's first variable speed limit pilot project, introduced on the stretch between Akshardham and Sarai Kale Khan.

Between 12 AM and 7 AM, the limit is 65 kmph for cars and 50 kmph for heavy vehicles. From 7 AM to 5 PM, cars are limited to 55 kmph and heavy vehicles to 45 kmph. Between 5 PM and midnight, the limits are 60 kmph for cars and 40 kmph for heavy vehicles — all based on scientific traffic data analysis.

IIT Roorkee Professor Satish Chandra, who is working on the project with the Central Road Research Institute, told PTI: "The researchers studied 24-hour traffic data of the expressway over the past few months and then decided upon these speed limits. The main objective is to reduce congestion and accidents."

Two digital variable speed limit display boards have been installed — one near Akshardham temple and one near Pandav Nagar FOB. Speed detection cameras will also be installed to automatically enforce whatever limit is displayed at a given time and notify drivers of violations.

Existing speed signboards on the expressway have been covered or blurred to avoid confusion between old fixed limits and the new variable system. NHAI, which manages the expressway, is the implementing agency for the project.

Chandra said: "We will collect data after an interval of three months and assess the actual effect of the project on the ground." If successful, the variable speed limit model could be extended to other national highways and expressways across India.