17 dead in Yamuna Expressway pile-up: Day later, UP govt lists steps to prevent a repeat

Officials informed that while the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has reduced the maximum speed limit for vehicles on the expressway from 120 to 80 kmph, the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has sent a letter to the government to reduce the maximum speed limit for other expressways in the state, especially the Lucknow-Agra one, as well.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Rajesh Pandey, retired IPS officer and Nodal Security Officer of UPEIDA, informed, “While the speed limit has already been reduced for Yamuna Expressway by the authority concerned, we have written to the government to reduce the speed limit for other expressways as well from the current 120 kmph to 80 kmph, owing to fog, till February 15.”

The UPEIDA operates key access-controlled highways including the Agra-Lucknow Expressway (Taj Expressway), Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway.

Other key measures

Authorities have ordered enhanced patrolling on highways and expressways; deployment of special teams at accident-prone black spots; and 24×7 availability of cranes and ambulances to ensure swift emergency response.

Strict monitoring has been ordered to curb speeding in low-visibility conditions. To reduce accident risks, the government has directed departments to ensure proper road lighting, reflectors, and visibility aids, especially at identified dark spots.

Pandey said instructions have been issued to toll plazas at the expressways to use the public address system with loudspeakers to constantly alert that there is dense fog ahead and vehicles should reduce the speed limit.

“We have also sent pamphlets to toll plazas with our emergency number — 14449 — to be given to commuters. Many commuters are not aware about the expressway toll emergency numbers and usually call 112, which might take time because the expressway is access controlled. Thus, we are trying to create awareness for our emergency numbers as well,” he said.

Directions have also been issued for better coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and State Highway authorities to immediately rectify safety gaps.

Do’s and don’ts for commuters

Alongside administrative steps, the state has issued travel guidelines for commuters, advising reduced speed, use of fog lights and low-beam headlights, maintaining safe distance between vehicles, avoiding overtaking and lane changes, and refraining from travel during extremely dense fog.

Vehicle owners have also been advised to ensure the use of reflector tape for better visibility.

Officials informed that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed strict implementation of these guidelines and action in case of violations.

Tuesday’s crash on the Yamuna Expressway, involving at least 15 vehicles — including eight buses carrying around 400 passengers — had sparked a blaze.

“Seventeen people died — 15 suffered burn injuries while two died of other injuries,” SHO of Baldev Police Station, Ranjana Sachan, had said.