After accident kills 4, two-wheelers banned on new Chennai expressway

BENGALURU: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prohibited the entry of two-wheelers on the new Bengaluru-Chennai expressway that is operational on the Karnataka side. The move comes close on the heels of the first major accident on the stretch, claiming four lives at Bangarpet taluk in Kolar district on Sunday night.

Instructions have been given to patrolling vehicles to prohibit the entry of bikes near entry and exit gates. Signboards will be installed to ban the use of bikes on the expressway, an NHAI official said. "A bike entered the expressway from the wrong side and collided with a four-wheeler. Entry of bikes is barred on expressways in the country. We urge two-wheeler riders not to use this expressway. Expressways are designed for driving at a maximum of 120 kmph. It is not safe for bikers to use the stretch when other vehicles go at high speed. They put their lives and other road users at risk. After this stretch was unofficially opened for motorists, many bikers hit the road for the new experience, but lives are precious. Bikers should avoid this road," the official said.
The 68-km stretch was informally opened for vehicular traffic last month. NHAI has finished construction of a 71-km expressway stretch in Karnataka. The rest of the 260-km stretch from Hoskote to Sriperambudur, near Chennai, falls within Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and that is also likely to be opened by this year-end. Within Karnataka limits, the expressway helps people reach important destinations such as Hoskote, Malur, KGF, and other points.
After repeated fatal accidents on the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway, NHAI banned the entry of bikes and autorickshaws on the mainlines of the highway. "We also urge car drivers and other vehicles using the road to watch their speed. Some people tend to go at high speed after seeing an empty road, which could lead to accidents," the official added.
The official said NHAI will write to enforcing authorities of the districts seeking their cooperation. "Patrolling and ambulances are already operating on the stretch in case of any emergencies. Full-fledged enforcement activities are difficult until the toll notification comes out for the expressway," he added.