Gujarat is poised to introduce a new speed regulation that will cap the maximum speed limit at 30 kmph on heavily congested city roads. The decision aims to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce the number of road accidents in urban areas, particularly in cities like Ahmedabad, where dense traffic and narrow roads often pose serious risks.
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Officials from the state’s road safety council said the initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to implement 30 kmph limits in high-risk urban zones. The rule will primarily apply to stretches with heavy pedestrian movement, schools, hospitals, markets, and residential neighborhoods.
Currently, most urban areas in Gujarat have speed limits ranging between 50 and 60 kmph, which road safety experts argue are unsafe for non-motorized road users. The new regulation is expected to not only curb accident rates but also encourage the use of public and non-motorized transport.
Implementation will include updated signage, stricter enforcement by traffic police, and public awareness campaigns. Authorities are also considering smart traffic surveillance to ensure compliance.
The move comes amid growing national and international advocacy for safer urban mobility, and Gujarat’s proactive step could set a precedent for other Indian states.