Sun Jun 22 03:25:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Speed Limit Increase Considered for Heavy Vehicles on Khandala Ghat**

**Mumbai, June 22, 2025** – Authorities are considering increasing the speed limit for heavy vehicles traversing the Bhor Ghat section (Khandala Ghat) of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Currently, trucks and buses are restricted to 40 kmph on the downward incline towards Mumbai. Officials and transporters have engaged in discussions to raise this limit to between 45-50 kmph.

The current speed limit, while intended for safety, has been criticized as “unscientific” and “unrealistic” by transporters who say it leads to frequent e-challans due to the challenging nature of controlling heavy vehicles on the steep gradient. They argue that maintaining such a low speed is difficult and can even be counterproductive, leading to traffic congestion and brake overheating.

Bus operators report a surge in fines since the implementation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) with speed-monitoring cameras along the 95-km stretch. Fines start at ₹2,000 for the first violation.

A joint survey was conducted last month by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), highway police, the state transport department, and transporters to assess the feasibility of a speed limit revision. Transporters argue that a slightly higher speed would save time, fuel, and maintenance costs, while also reducing the number of unwarranted fines.

“Around 30% of e-challans are issued to heavy vehicles on this 10-km ghat stretch, often for speeds between 43 and 50 kmph,” explained Harsh Kotak, a bus operator and leader of the Mumbai Bus Malak Sangh.

Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar acknowledged the validity of transporters’ concerns, stating that it’s “practically difficult” for heavy vehicles to maintain such low speeds on the descent.

While the MSRDC is responsible for decisions related to the ghat section, the highway police will ultimately determine the final speed limit. A meeting to discuss the upward revision is expected to be convened soon. The current speed limit of 60 kmph for cars in the ghat section is unlikely to change. The expressway, opened in 2002, saw 191 accidents in 2024.

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