Nitin Gadkari proposes 20% leeway on expressway speed limits, no challan up to 144 kmph?

Key highlights

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has directed officials to allow a 20% margin before issuing speeding challans on expressways.
• On stretches with a 120 kmph speed limit, this could mean penalties only beyond 144 kmph.
• The proposal does not change the prescribed speed limits, and motorists are still expected to follow posted restrictions.

Speeding on Indian expressways could get a little more breathing room, at least when it comes to enforcement. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has reportedly instructed officials not to issue speeding challans to motorists travelling up to 120 kmph on expressways. He has also suggested allowing a further 20% margin before penalties are issued.

The remarks were made at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) National Conference on Highways. If implemented on an expressway with a 120 kmph speed limit, the additional margin would push the challan threshold to 144 kmph. However, there is an important distinction here: this is an enforcement relaxation, not a formal increase in the legal speed limit.

Does this mean you can drive at 144kmph?

Not quite. Gadkari’s comments indicate that officials have been asked to exercise leniency while issuing speeding notices. They do not mean that motorists now have the legal freedom to drive at 144 kmph.

The distinction matters because speed limits vary depending on the road and vehicle category. Even on expressways, not every stretch carries a 120 kmph limit. Some sections have lower restrictions depending on road conditions, design and location.

There is also a question of how this instruction will be implemented across automated speed cameras and electronic challan systems. Until the enforcement rules and systems are formally updated, motorists should continue to observe the speed limits displayed on road signs.

For context, a 20% margin over different speed limits would translate into the following:

These are mathematical illustrations of the proposed margin, not confirmed legal speed allowances.

AI-based traffic monitoring also on the agenda

Gadkari also called for greater industry participation in implementing AI-based Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) across India’s highway network.

The proposed systems are expected to improve traffic monitoring and help authorities identify violations such as lane indiscipline and non-compliance with helmet and seatbelt rules. The broader objective is to make enforcement more efficient while improving road safety.

The minister also warned highway contractors and consultants against poor-quality construction and maintenance, saying they could face blacklisting, bans and financial penalties.

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