Kolar district authorities have implemented a ban on two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and tractors on the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway. This action follows a series of tragic accidents, including a recent incident on June 9 near the Hedaginabele toll plaza in Malur taluk, where a car lost control and collided with the central divider, resulting in two fatalities.
The expressway, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Bengaluru and Chennai, has witnessed over ten major accidents in the past three months alone, leading to at least 15 deaths. Despite a prior advisory from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued in March 2025, which prohibited two-wheelers from accessing the expressway, enforcement challenges allowed violations to persist, thereby increasing the risk of fatal incidents. The immediate catalyst for the latest enforcement measure occurred on June 9, when a car lost control and collided with the central divider near the Hedaginabele toll plaza in Malur taluk. The crash claimed the lives of two passengers on the spot. In response, Kolar police swiftly issued orders barring entry to slow-moving vehicles that are viewed as a safety threat on a corridor built for high-speed transit.
Law enforcement officials report that despite prior guidelines, vehicles such as motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, bullock carts, and farm tractors were frequently seen plying the expressway. Their presence, officials argue, not only slows down traffic but also greatly increases the chances of high-speed collisions. The Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway, hailed as South India’s first greenfield expressway, is designed to facilitate rapid vehicular movement with a sanctioned speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour. However, the infiltration of slow-moving traffic is believed to undermine its intended function and safety framework.
The expressway’s operational stretch, spanning 68 kilometres from Hoskote to Bethamangala, opened to traffic a few months ago. With rising traffic volumes and repeated violations of the NHAI’s advisory, the need for immediate intervention became critical. Authorities have now intensified enforcement efforts, including increased patrolling and the installation of signboards to deter slow-moving vehicles from entering the expressway. These measures aim to ensure that the expressway serves its intended purpose as a high-speed corridor, thereby enhancing safety for all road users. The implementation of this ban underscores the growing recognition of the need for stringent traffic regulations to prevent accidents and fatalities on high-speed roadways.
As the expressway continues to serve as a vital link between Bengaluru and Chennai, ensuring its safe operation remains a top priority for authorities. This development also highlights the broader challenges faced in managing traffic on expressways, particularly in regions where enforcement of traffic regulations has historically been lax. The success of the current measures in Kolar district may serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar issues, potentially leading to a more uniform approach to traffic management on expressways across the country. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, stakeholders remain hopeful that these interventions will lead to a significant reduction in road accidents and fatalities, thereby making the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway a safer route for all commuters.
Also Read :Cube Highways Acquires Two J&K Road Projects for Rs 4185 Crore
