In order to curb overspeeding on the expressway Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Maharashtra Highway Police has decided to fine motorists who cover the 50-km distance between toll plazas on the expressway within 37 minutes. Starting August 1, the police will fine the motorist with Rs 1,000 if they are caught while overspeeding.
Within the legal speed limit it takes around 37 minutes to cover the 50-km distance between the toll plazas at Khalapur and Urse, said a senior police officer.
The violators will be issued an e-challan and first-time offenders will have to pay Rs 1,000, while repeat offenders will be penalized more. Due to increasing fatal accidents at the Mumbai-Pune Expressway taking this step was necessary by the State Highway Police.
Chief Engineer of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for the Pune and Aurangabad division, Dilip Ukirde, said that the Highway Police will work in tandem with the MSRDC for data procurement.
Due to coronavirus lockdown the expressway was closed for regular citizens, though it has reopened since then. Highway Police has since fined several motorists on the expressway for violating traffic and road rules.