Sir,

The Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway has significantly improved travel efficiency, reducing travel time from over 3 hours to just 2. More importantly, it has helped eliminate fatal accidents in towns like Mandya, Channapatna, and Ramanagara, which were once hotspots for road deaths.

However, this success is being undermined by reckless speeding. Some drivers are now exploiting the highway by clocking triple-digit speeds, putting lives at risk. When speed was limited to 100 kmph and speed cameras were actively functioning, accident rates dropped sharply, with zero fatalities reported between October and December 2024.

Unfortunately, many of these cameras are no longer operational. As a result, overspeeding has returned, raising serious concerns about a potential rise in fatal crashes, reminiscent of the pre-camera era.

I urge the authorities to restore and expand speed monitoring — ideally by installing functional speed cameras every kilometre, backed by real-time surveillance and strict enforcement.

Additionally, FASTag scanners at toll booths have become inefficient. Many are malfunctioning, forcing vehicles to slow to a crawl or even reverse for detection, leading to long queues, especially on weekends (see pic). This not only causes unnecessary delays but also increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

I request the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and relevant officials to urgently service or replace all faulty FASTag readers and speed enforcement infrastructure to ensure safe and seamless travel for all.

– Vasanth Ramu,  Mysuru,  23.5.2025

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