In a decisive move to curb accidents during the dense winter fog, traffic authorities in Noida and Ghaziabad have announced significant reductions in speed limits on several major expressways and national highways. The new restrictions will be in effect for two months, covering the peak fog season.
Revised Speed Limits: Key Details and Durations
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Trigun Bisen confirmed the new regulations on Monday. The maximum speed for light vehicles has been capped at 60 kmph, while heavy vehicles must not exceed 40 kmph. This applies uniformly to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME), and National Highway-09.
These restrictions are scheduled from December 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026. This marks a substantial drop from the earlier permitted speeds. Previously, the EPE allowed light vehicles to travel at up to 120 kmph and heavy vehicles at 80 kmph. On the DME and NH-09, the limits were 100 kmph and 75 kmph, respectively.
Separate Advisory for Noida's Expressways
In a parallel announcement, Noida Traffic Police have also imposed lower speed limits on other critical roads under their jurisdiction. Effective from the same date, December 15, the speed limit on the Noida Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, and Noida Elevated Road has been reduced from 100 kmph to 75 kmph for a two-month period.
Why the Sudden Change? Safety Amidst Poor Visibility
The decision comes as a direct response to the hazardous driving conditions created by dense fog, which severely reduces visibility, especially during early morning hours. The 135-km-long EPE, which forms a ring around Delhi's eastern periphery, was specifically built to divert commercial traffic and reduce pollution in the capital. However, its signal-free, access-controlled design has seen a spate of serious multi-vehicle collisions during winter months when fog sets in.
The urgency of the measure was underscored by two separate accidents on Monday itself. Around 11 am, a collision involving four vehicles occurred on the EPE near Dasna in Ghaziabad. In a separate incident on the DME in the Bhojpur area, a five-vehicle pile-up was reported. Police preliminary findings suggest a truck suddenly braking triggered a chain-reaction collision.
Officials emphasize that reducing speed is the most critical factor in preventing such accidents in low visibility. It provides drivers with a longer reaction time, ensures a safer braking distance, and allows for better handling of sudden obstacles on the road.
Commuters are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, use fog lights, maintain generous distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden lane changes or braking while driving on these stretches during the winter season.
