The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has capped the maximum limit at which vehicles would run on the 165-kilometre stretch connecting Noida and Agra due to fog conditions.
The revised maximum speed limit will come into effect from Sunday 12 midnight and will continue to remain imposed till February 15.
The usual maximum speed limit for light vehicles is 100 kilometres per hour while for heavy vehicles, it is 80 kilometres per hour.
According to YEIDA, heavy vehicles will run at a maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour while for light vehicles, the maximum speed limit would be 75 kilometres per hour. Violators will be liable to pay a fine ranging between Rs 2,000 to 4,000.
Boards have been erected along the expressway informing about the new maximum speed limit besides announcing on the public address system the toll booths and displaying on the screens.
YEIDA has appealed to drivers to drive cautiously during fog conditions. There have been cases of accidents on the expressway where several cars got piled up as visibility significantly dropped due to fog.
In order to minimise road safety hazards due to fog, YEIDA sent a report to the expressway concessionaire earlier this month outlining measures, including a reduction in speed limit.
Other key measures include the installation of speed limit signboards across the expressway, the distribution of informal pamphlets on safe driving practices during foggy conditions, and public awareness through media.
YEIDA also asked the expressway operator to replace the defunct reflective tapes, noting it increases accident risk in foggy conditions, and install fog lights at entry and exit points.
Highlighting heavy traffic due to weekends and holidays, the authority instructed the operator to ensure seamless toll operations during these periods to avoid congestion.
"These measures are a proactive approach toward mitigating the risks of accidents posed by adverse weather conditions and ensuring the safety of commuters on the Yamuna Expressway. The concessionaire has been asked to implement these measures promptly," said YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh.