Yamuna Expressway Becomes Hotspot Of Road Accidents, YEIDA Orders Reduction In Speed Limit; Details

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) directed Jaypee Infratech Limited to take major measures for the safety of commuters during winter months due to fog in Uttar Pradesh. The YEIDA asked Jaypee Infratech to reduce the speed limit on Yamuna Expressway for light vehicles from the existing speed limit of 100 kmph to 75 kmph.

As many as 341 accidents took place on Yamuna Expressway from January to October 2023,  resulting in 80 deaths and 596 injured commuters. According to the latest data, more accidents happened on Yamuna Expressway during summer, compared to the winter season despite the low visibility due to fog in the latter season. Authorities stated that the prime reason for these accidents is the high speed of vehicles which accounts for 40 per cent of the total accidents in Uttar Pradesh.

Out of the total accidents that took place this year, 228 accidents, 50 deaths and 401 injuries occurred between April and September when the weather was clear. In comparison, there were 113 accidents, 30 deaths and 195 injuries in the months of January, February, March and October when the fog was prevalent in the northern state. 

Accidents On Yamuna Expressway

The situation was similar in the previous years as well and the data showed the same trend in past years too. For instance, in 2022, there were 310 accidents on Yamuna Expressway out of which 205 occurred in summer and 105 in winter. In 2021, there were 420 accidents, of which 275 occurred in summer and 145 in winter. In 2020, there were 509 accidents, of which 327 occurred in summer and 182 in winter.

Number Of Road Accidents In Uttar Pradesh 

The state also witnessed an increase in the overall number of accidents on National Highways, State Highways and Expressways from 2020 to 2023. There were 36,476 accidents in 2023, 41,746 accidents in 2022, 37,729 accidents in 2021 and 34,243 accidents in 2020. The number of deaths and injuries also rose accordingly.

Measures Taken To Prevent Accidents In Yamuna Expressway 

CEO of Yamuna Authority Arunveer Singh said that the necessary steps have been taken on the suggestion of IIT Delhi to ensure the safety of the commuters. He said to prevent accidents on Yamuna Expressway, they have taken several measures, such as installing crash beam barriers, reducing the speed limit, putting signage, rumble strips and bullnose barriers. The expressway is also integrated with the e-challan portal to penalise the violators of traffic rules.