Vizag Caps Speed at 40 kmph to Curb Accidents

In a bid to curb rising road accidents, city police have revised and standardised speed limits across Visakhapatnam, tightening enforcement with new technology and stricter penalties.

Officials said over-speeding has emerged as a major cause of accidents, prompting the introduction of three high-speed laser guns and an upgraded CCTV surveillance network to monitor violations more effectively.

As per the new norms, a uniform speed limit of 40 kmph has been imposed on several major stretches, including the NH-16 corridor between Kurmannapalem Junction and Kommadi Junction. Key Beach Road stretches — from Fishing Harbour to Rushikonda and further up to Bheemunipatnam — will also fall under the 40 kmph cap. All municipal roads and BRTS corridors have been brought under the same limit.

However, the BRTS stretch between Pendurthi and Baji Junction has been allowed a slightly higher speed limit of 50 kmph.

Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi said advanced laser-based speed detection devices would be deployed at multiple points to ensure strict enforcement. He warned that violations such as over-speeding under Section 183 of the Motor Vehicles Act, triple riding under Section 194(C), and riding without a helmet would attract a fine of ₹1,000, along with a recommendation for suspension of driving licences.

More serious violations, including wrong-route driving under Section 184, will invite a penalty of ₹1,500 and similar suspension proceedings, he added.

Police are also installing new speed limit signboards at key locations across the city to improve awareness and compliance.

The move comes amid alarming accident statistics. In 2025, Visakhapatnam reported 1,086 road accidents, including 333 fatal cases. As many as 349 people lost their lives, while 1,038 others were injured. The NH-16 stretch alone accounted for 149 deaths and 388 injuries, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulation.