📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Politics
Gadkari's 140 kmph No‑Challan Plan Stumbles on Legal and Safety Concerns
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 31 Oct 2026, 05:16 AM
👁 1
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s proposal to allow vehicles to travel at 140 kmph on national highways without receiving challans has hit roadblocks, with legal challenges and road‑safety experts raising concerns.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently floated a proposal that would let vehicles travel at 140 kmph on national highways without the issuance of challans. The idea, aimed at easing traffic congestion, has drawn swift criticism from legal experts and road‑safety advocates.
Legal hurdles have emerged as the proposal appears to conflict with the existing Motor Vehicles Act, which mandates speed limits and penalizes violations. Several pending court cases could challenge the feasibility of implementing a no‑challan policy at such high speeds.
Road‑safety specialists warn that increasing the speed limit to 140 kmph could raise the risk of fatal accidents, especially on highways with mixed traffic. They argue that enforcement mechanisms and driver education would be essential to mitigate potential dangers.
At present, the proposal remains in the discussion phase, with no official implementation date announced. The government is reportedly reviewing the legal and safety implications before moving forward.
Legal hurdles have emerged as the proposal appears to conflict with the existing Motor Vehicles Act, which mandates speed limits and penalizes violations. Several pending court cases could challenge the feasibility of implementing a no‑challan policy at such high speeds.
Road‑safety specialists warn that increasing the speed limit to 140 kmph could raise the risk of fatal accidents, especially on highways with mixed traffic. They argue that enforcement mechanisms and driver education would be essential to mitigate potential dangers.
At present, the proposal remains in the discussion phase, with no official implementation date announced. The government is reportedly reviewing the legal and safety implications before moving forward.