Pune: Goods vehicles will continue to be barred from Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Connecting Link after the initial six-month restriction period ends on Oct 31, under a new traffic notification issued by the state highway police.Private cars, jeeps and other non-transport light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be allowed to use the route at a maximum speed of 100 kmph. Passenger buses and other passenger vehicles can use the stretch at up to 80 kmph, the notification stated.Vehicles carrying flammable, explosive and other hazardous materials will also remain barred and must use the original expressway route.The notification cites tunnel design, technical considerations and passenger safety as reasons for the restrictions. “Heavy monsoon rains caused a major landslide and structural damage on Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s newly opened Connecting Link project on July 6. After the accident, work is being carried out,” MSRDC officials said.The 13.3 km Connecting Link on Mumbai-Pune Expressway is currently restricted to light motor vehicles, cars, SUVs, buses, minibuses and other passenger vehicles. Goods trucks, trailers and other heavy and oversize vehicles are prohibited from using the stretch and are required to take the existing ghat section.The restriction was imposed to keep the new corridor safer and prevent heavy vehicles from adding to congestion on the ghat section. Around 70% of traffic on the expressway comprises light vehicles and buses, while heavy and oversize vehicles account for around 30%. Heavy vehicles continue to use the old ghat route.The accident has also brought attention to another enforcement issue. “Vehicles are not permitted to stop on Connecting Link or inside the tunnels, yet vehicles have reportedly been found stopping in the first and second lanes. Such stoppages can create a serious hazard on a high-speed corridor,” police officers said.Highway police have urged motorists to comply with the vehicle-entry rules and speed limits and exercise caution while driving through the tunnels, said officials.The notification, issued on Oct 26 by additional director general of police (traffic) Pravin Salunke, makes the restriction permanent from Nov 1 until further orders. The initial restriction was imposed when the 13.3 km Connecting Link opened to traffic on May 1, with a review planned before any decision on allowing goods vehicles.
