What is the proposed speed limit for urban areas in India?

Experts are advocating for a uniform 50kmph speed limit on all urban roads, with even stricter limits in residential zones and pedestrian-heavy areas.

What role do national highways play in Indian road fatalities?

Despite making up only 2% of the road network, national highways account for over 36% of road fatalities in India, with speeding being a major factor.

What are the key recommendations for improving road safety in Indian cities?

Recommendations include a uniform 50kmph urban speed limit, stricter limits in sensitive zones, enhanced enforcement, safer road design, and rapid emergency response.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / India's Deadly Speed: Experts Demand Uniform 50kmph Urban Limit

India's Deadly Speed: Experts Demand Uniform 50kmph Urban Limit

1 Feb

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Summary

Over 1,500 fatal crashes recorded in 2025 due to excessive speeding.
Experts advocate for a uniform 50kmph speed limit in urban areas.
Highways, despite limited network, cause over 36% of road fatalities.

India's Deadly Speed: Experts Demand Uniform 50kmph Urban Limit

In 2025, Indian cities recorded 1,578 fatal road crashes, a slight increase from the previous year, highlighting persistent issues with speeding. Experts convened at a seminar hosted by the Road Safety Network and IITs to address the alarming trend. They pointed to a confusing array of speed limits, ranging from 50kmph to much higher speeds on highways cutting through urban areas.

Academics and safety professionals are pushing for a unified 50kmph limit on all urban roads, with even stricter caps for residential zones and pedestrian areas. They noted that national highways, constituting only 2% of India's roads, account for over 36% of fatal accidents, with speeding identified as the primary risk factor. Experts emphasized that lower speed limits must be accompanied by robust enforcement and rapid emergency response.