UP Highways Boost Fog Safety After Deadly Crashes

In the wake of multiple deadly accidents attributed to dense winter fog, highway authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified safety measures across expressways and national highways. Officials confirmed that at least 25 people lost their lives and 59 others were injured in a series of collisions on Tuesday, with the worst incident occurring on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, where a multi-vehicle pile-up claimed 13 lives.

Other fatalities were reported from Basti and Unnao, with four deaths each, while Meerut and Barabanki recorded two deaths each. Most of the accidents were rear-end collisions caused by poor visibility, officials noted.

The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), which manages key access-controlled highways including the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Gorakhpur Link expressways, said enhanced precautions are being implemented to prevent further mishaps.

UPEIDA has proposed reducing the maximum speed limit on expressways from 120 kmph to 80 kmph during the fog season, which typically lasts until mid-February. Special advisories are also being issued for two-wheeler riders, who are urged to halt at toll plazas during dense fog. Facilities including blankets and basic amenities are being arranged for riders waiting at these stops.

Public address systems at toll plazas have been activated to provide real-time announcements on fog conditions based on inputs from patrol teams. Authorities are paying particular attention to low-lying stretches and areas near water bodies, where fog tends to be denser. Pamphlets with safety guidelines, do’s and don’ts, and emergency helpline numbers, including 14449, are being distributed to commuters. Parking on expressways remains strictly prohibited.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also launched a statewide drive to improve visibility and road safety awareness during the fog season. While the speed limit on NHAI highways is set at 100 kmph, officials highlighted that wrong-side driving and unauthorised entry or exit through highway cuts continue to be major causes of accidents.

Reflective tapes are being distributed to vehicles to improve visibility, particularly for tractor-trolleys, trucks, three-wheelers, and even bullock carts, many of which either lack reflective material or have non-functional lights. Regular patrol vehicles assist commuters, and toll plazas make frequent announcements about safe driving practices, emergency contacts, and fog advisories.

Authorities emphasized that road lights, markings, and blinkers are being properly maintained, and patrol teams are actively monitoring for wrong-lane driving. Toll plazas such as Luharli, Gabhana, and Dakhina-Sheikhpur manage tens of thousands of vehicles daily, making these measures crucial for accident prevention.

Motorists are being urged to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe distances, and adhere strictly to advisories, as dense fog conditions are expected to persist across the state over the coming weeks.