As India’s road infrastructure rapidly expands, questions around speed regulation and road safety have become increasingly relevant. During the ongoing Parliament session, the topic of maximum speed limits on National Highways was brought into the spotlight, revealing important updates for drivers and commuters alike.
In response to a query raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Bhim Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari clarified the current speed norms applicable to various categories of vehicles on different types of roads in India. He confirmed that the maximum speed limit on National Highways is 100 kmph, while expressways with access control are designed for speeds up to 120 kmph.
The Union Minister also highlighted that these roads are built in accordance with design and safety standards set by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). “The current design speed for expressways is 120 kmph and for National Highways, it is 100 kmph. However, actual speed limits vary based on vehicle category and road type,” he stated in a written reply on July 30.
Vehicle-Type Specific Speed Limits
Minister Gadkari provided further clarity on speed limits based on vehicle classes:
- Private vehicles (like cars) are allowed to travel up to 120 kmph on expressways.
- Transport vehicles (such as buses and trucks) are restricted to a maximum speed of 80 kmph.
These speed limits are part of the notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under S.O. 1522(E) dated April 6, 2018, which outlines maximum permissible speeds for different classes of motor vehicles on:
- Access-controlled expressways
- Four-lane and above divided carriageways
- Roads within municipal limits
- Other rural and urban roads
National Highways Are Expanding Fast
India’s National Highway network has grown significantly in recent years. The total length of National Highways has expanded from 132,995 km in March 2020 to 146,342 km as of now, according to government data. Access-controlled High Speed Corridors (HSCs) and expressways have seen even more dramatic growth — from 228 km to 2,636 km in the same period.
This expansion of road infrastructure aims to reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and support economic development. However, it also brings with it the challenge of ensuring road safety through proper regulation and enforcement of speed limits.
Future Possibilities: Will Speed Limits Increase?
MP Bhim Singh also asked whether the government plans to raise speed limits or conduct pilot projects or studies in this direction. In response, Minister Gadkari did not indicate any immediate change in policy but emphasized that highway construction adheres strictly to design norms, which dictate safe speeds based on terrain and road type.
As of now, any revision in speed limits would require a fresh review of road conditions, vehicle performance standards, and safety studies — none of which have been officially initiated at scale.
Bottom Line
For everyday drivers and commercial vehicle operators, it’s crucial to be aware of and adhere to the current speed limits, not just to avoid fines but also to ensure safety on increasingly high-speed corridors.
Whether commuting on a newly built expressway or a traditional National Highway, knowing the limits could be the difference between a smooth journey and a risky one.
