B'luru–Mysuru highway: 147 deaths last year, 50 in 2024

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The number of deaths on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway has decreased markedly. In August 2024, only two fatalities were reported. Between January and August 2023, 147 deaths were recorded, while the number fell to 50 in the same period of 2024.

In January 2024, there were 12 deaths, but numbers have since dropped and have remained below double digits. This decline is attributed to several new measures.

Sectional speed detection systems and hybrid enforcement methods have been introduced. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are now used for sectional speed detection along the highway, and realtime fines are being imposed at toll gates and key points.

Alerts are sent to police officers when vehicles committing violations approach. In August 2024, over 410 FIRs were filed for speeding over 130 kilometers per hour, and 51 FIRs were filed for driving in the wrong direction. More than 1.2 lakh speeding cases were booked, including 89,200 for sectional speeding.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain. Multiple entry and exit points on the highway allow two-wheelers to enter where there are no police officers. Villages along the highway have led to pedestrian deaths as people cross to reach schools or workplaces.

Requests have been made for the construction of vehicular underpasses and foot over bridges to address these issues. It is hoped that with these new constructions, the speed limit may be increased to 120 kilometers per hour.