The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has forbidden motorcycles from accessing the recently inaugurated Bengaluru-Chennai expressway. This decision follows a tragic collision in Bangarpet taluk, Kolar district, where a two-wheeler moving in the wrong direction crashed into a four-wheeler, resulting in four deaths.

To enforce this restriction, patrolling teams have been instructed to stop bikers at entry and exit points. Warning signs will also be placed along the stretch to deter riders. Authorities emphasized that expressways are designed for high-speed traffic, making them extremely unsafe for motorcycles. Vehicles can legally travel at speeds up to 120 kmph, posing a severe risk to slower-moving two-wheelers.

The Karnataka segment of the expressway spans 71 km and is already open for public use. The remaining 260-km route, connecting Hoskote to Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Previously, after multiple fatal incidents on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, NHAI had similarly prohibited bikes and auto-rickshaws on the main lanes. Officials also urged car drivers to maintain safe speeds, warning that empty roads often tempt motorists to accelerate recklessly, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Until a toll system is implemented, strict enforcement remains a challenge, but patrolling and emergency response teams are already deployed on the route.