The centre’s proposal to set the highway speed limit to 120 kmph is denied by the Madras High Court. We had reported earlier that the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highway (MoRTH) had suggested the speed limit on the highways be increased to ensure higher efficiency. The MoRTH claimed that the modern engines have been developed better and the infrastructure is way better than what it used to be just a decade ago. The advancement in automobile technology has ensured that the safety aspects in cars are greatly enhanced and driving has become safer. The condition of the roads and highways overall has also been improved a lot and the development is going on at a rapid pace.
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Roadways still continue to be the main source of transporting raw material and finished goods from one part of the country to another. In the case of automobiles, this represents the movement of components for service and spare parts as well as manufactured cars from factories to showrooms. It is common knowledge that roadways are not as efficient as railways for freight purposes. But reaching the far-flung parts of our country is only possible via the road network. Hence, improving the road infrastructure would be directly beneficial for the economy and increase the efficiency of the Indian supply chain industry. That was the intention behind the proposal to raise the speed limit.
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Madras High Court Orders Not To Raise The Highway Speed Limit
Madras High Court ruled against the increase of speed limit for highways in India. The reasons given for the judgement are very clear and relevant. It suggested that the improvement in modern engine technology doesn’t mean that the traffic rules and safety protocols are strictly followed. These two have no connections. Also, the road infrastructure has nothing to do with the traffic sense of the people. Even today, most accidents caused on the roads are due to overspeeding. So many people lose their lives and over-speeding is the root cause of it all along with disregard for the traffic laws. Improvement in engine technology will encourage people to drive at even higher speeds and the impact of better engines will be the opposite of being safe. Hence, the decision of the court to not increase the speed limit on the highway is well justified. The court has directed the centre to issue notifications with decreased speed limits.
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