Efforts to enhance road safety on the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway have yielded significant results, with fatalities plunging from 100 to just 31 in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2023. This 140-kilometre stretch, which became fully operational early last year, has historically faced challenges ranging from reckless driving practices to infrastructural deficiencies that contributed to serious accidents.
Initially marred by high accident rates attributed to speeding, poor road engineering, lane indiscipline, and even drivers using the wrong side of the road, the highway prompted urgent corrective actions from law enforcement authorities. Increased police presence and the deployment of advanced traffic surveillance technologies played pivotal roles in curbing fatalities. Key interventions included the installation of over 40 automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras across 12 locations, focusing on monitoring various traffic violations such as speeding, mobile phone usage while driving, seat belt non-compliance, and lane discipline violations. Furthermore, measures were implemented to restrict the access of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and slow-moving heavy vehicles, ensuring safer traffic flow. According to officials from the road safety department, continuous awareness campaigns conducted through social media channels significantly altered motorists’ behaviour on the highway. The proactive approach of issuing warning notices for violations will now transition into stringent enforcement starting July 1, with fines being levied through home-delivered challans based on ANPR data.
“The introduction of ‘access control’ speed calculations between camera points aims to deter motorists from manipulating their speeds near surveillance zones,” explained a police official. This strategic measure seeks to enforce adherence to speed limits effectively and deter unsafe driving practices through data-driven enforcement. The successful reduction in fatalities underscores a collaborative effort between law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and public awareness initiatives. As the highway continues to evolve as a crucial artery between Bengaluru and Mysuru, sustaining these safety measures remains paramount to ensuring safe travel for all commuters and reinforcing the importance of responsible driving practices. This achievement marks a milestone in regional road safety efforts, reflecting a positive shift towards safer transport infrastructure and enhanced regulatory oversight on one of Karnataka’s busiest thoroughfares.
