Despite a clear ban, two-wheelers and autorickshaws continue to enter the main carriageway of the Bengaluru–Mysuru access-controlled highway, raising serious safety concerns among regular users of the stretch.
Commuters say the persistent presence of prohibited vehicles not only interrupts the free flow of fast-moving traffic but also significantly increases the risk of accidents, given the high speed of the vehicles on the highway.
It has been nearly two years since the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) enforced restrictions barring certain categories of vehicles from using the main carriageway of the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway. The prohibition covers two-wheelers, autorickshaws, tractors, non-motorised vehicles, multi-axle hydraulic trailers and quadricycles. However, despite repeated advisories and enforcement drives in the initial phase, violations continue unabated, with two and three-wheelers frequently spotted on the stretch.
Several motorists allege that the lack of consistent monitoring has allowed violators to enter the main carriageway of the highway. They point out that highway patrol vehicles and traffic police personnel, who were once stationed at entry and exit points, are now rarely seen enforcing the ban. This absence of visible policing, commuters say, has allowed prohibited vehicles to slip through unchecked, endangering themselves and others.
Amruth Raj, who regularly travels between Bengaluru and Mysuru, said that he encounters banned vehicles on the highway almost every day. According to him, autorickshaws are particularly visible during early morning hours, especially up to the Sheshagirihalli toll plaza in Ramanagara district. “Many of these autos use the flyover near the NICE Road junction in the early hours. On a few occasions, I have even seen motorcycles riding in the wrong direction. Such behaviour turns this stretch into an accident-prone zone,” he said.
Ban since August 2023
The ban was formally notified by the NHAI on August 1, 2023, citing safety concerns arising from mixed traffic conditions. The movement of high-speed vehicles may pose a risk to the safety of certain classes of comparatively slow-moving vehicles, for example, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and other slow-moving vehicles like non-motorised vehicles, agricultural tractors (with or without trailers), due to their vulnerability and associated speed differentials, and compromises road safety aspects.
Rajendra Prasad, a resident of Mandya who frequently commutes to Bengaluru, said that sudden entry of two-wheelers into high-speed traffic lanes can easily distract drivers of four-wheeled vehicles and lead to collisions. “Earlier, the ban was strictly enforced, and security personnel were deployed at access points. Now, some people, driven by reckless thrill-seeking, continue to force their way onto the highway,” he said.
Mr. Prasad also recalled a recent incident in which he saw a motorcyclist speeding on the highway after deliberately covering the vehicle’s number plate to avoid identification. “Even a minor error in such situations could cost lives,” he added.
Monitoring systems
Other commuters have questioned how two-wheelers manage to bypass toll plazas without being stopped. Ashok M., another frequent user of the highway, said that many bikers who enter the main carriageway illegally also flout lane discipline, riding in the middle and right lanes meant for faster vehicles. “If this continues without intervention from the police or NHAI, it could result in serious accidents on the corridor,” he warned.
Responding to these concerns, NHAI officials said that advanced monitoring systems have been put in place to curb violations. According to officials, Artificial Intelligence-powered traffic enforcement cameras have been installed at key locations along both the Bengaluru–Nidaghatta and Nidaghatta–Mysuru sections. “Dedicated cameras positioned at regular intervals are intended to enhance surveillance and detect a range of violations, including the entry of slow-moving and prohibited vehicles onto the main carriageway,” an official said.
Published – December 19, 2025 01:14 am IST
