Move to set 100-kmph speed cap on Hyd ORR to avert accidents
In Short
- Move to set 100-kmph speed cap on Hyd ORR to avert accidents
- Transport Commissioner K Ilambarthi writes to HGCL on October 9
- Speed limit was raised to 120 kmph on July 28, 2023.
Share :
File photo
Hyderabad: In a major move to improve road safety and curb the rising number of accidents on the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road (ORR), Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has written to Transport Commissioner K Ilambarthi, urging the authorities to reduce the maximum speed limit from 120 kmph to 100 kmph.
Subsequently, the Transport Commissioner wrote to Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL) on October 9, highlighting the need to review the speed limit in the interest of passenger safety. Authorities have expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents since the speed limit was raised from 100 kmph to 120 kmph on July 28, 2023.
According to officials, the decision to increase the speed limit was taken without a comprehensive scientific study to assess its impact on road safety. The issue was discussed extensively at the Secretariat on September 18.
Accident statistics have raised serious concerns among officials. In 2016, when the maximum speed limit was 120 kmph, the ORR recorded 1,545 accidents. Following an increase in accidents to 1,562 in 2017, the speed limit was reduced to 100 kmph.
The number of accidents subsequently stood at 618 in 2018, 782 in 2019, 641 in 2020, 840 in 2021 and 1,029 in 2022. After the speed limit was increased to 120 kmph in July 2023, the ORR recorded 1,402 accidents in 2023 and 1,592 in 2024.
Officials believe a detailed scientific analysis would be necessary to establish the extent to which speed changes contributed to the rise in accidents.
Joint inspections conducted by officials have identified several traffic violations and unsafe practices on the ORR. Vehicles travelling above the prescribed speed limit and motorists overtaking in a zigzag manner are creating dangerous situations.
Slow-moving water tankers operating near road dividers and stopping suddenly have also emerged as potential accident risks. The unauthorised entry of two-wheelers onto the ORR further compromises road safety.
According to the accident prevention committee, the number of patrol vehicles, which previously stood at 19, has declined to just seven or eight. The committee estimates that at least 30 patrol vehicles are required to monitor the entire stretch effectively.
Increasing the number of patrol vehicles would help authorities respond more quickly to accidents, identify traffic violations and take timely action against motorists who endanger other road users. Officials believe that reducing the speed limit, strengthening enforcement and increasing the number of patrol vehicles could improve safety on the Hyderabad ORR.
