Bengaluru Motorists Raise Concerns Over Trucks Blocking Fast Lanes on Highways

Bengaluru commuters are increasingly voicing concerns over heavy lorries occupying the right-most lanes on major highways, particularly the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC), popularly known as NICE Road. Drivers say the practice not only slows traffic but also creates hazardous conditions for smaller, faster vehicles attempting to overtake. Similar issues have been reported on the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway and the Nelamangala–Tumakuru stretch.

Once considered a smooth bypass compared to congested city roads, NICE Road has reportedly become a challenging route for motorists. Despite being designed for speeds around 80 kmph, commuters note that heavy trucks often crawl along at 40 kmph in the right lane, forcing cars to weave between lorries or encroach upon two-wheeler lanes, significantly increasing accident risks.

Prashanth Kumar, a daily commuter from Bannerghatta Road to Mysuru Road, described the difficulties faced on the highway. “Almost half of the lorries stick to the right lane. Since they cannot overtake each other quickly, bottlenecks form. Cars are forced to zig-zag or slip into the bike lane. Proper signage about lane discipline must be put up,” he said. Another commuter, Venkatesh Murthy, noted that nighttime driving on NICE Road is particularly dangerous due to poor lighting.

The lane misuse problem extends beyond NICE Road. Prasanna Kumar, who frequently travels from Bengaluru to Mangaluru, said, “On the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, I often see three lorries in a row occupying the fast lane. The same happens on Tumakuru road. This leaves no room for other vehicles and puts motorists at risk.”

Truck drivers, however, defend their lane choices as economically motivated. Rajana K., a lorry operator with 15 years of experience, explained, “We prefer cruising steadily at 50–60 kmph to maximize fuel efficiency. The right lane allows a consistent speed, while the left is often blocked by slow-moving vehicles. We are not deliberately violating rules.”

Traffic police acknowledge the issue and say regular enforcement drives target violations. NICE authorities have also installed signage instructing vehicles on proper lane usage. A senior officer noted, “Despite boards, many truckers continue to misuse the fast lane. We are stepping up surveillance and fines to curb violations.”

As highway traffic continues to grow, commuters hope for stricter enforcement and awareness measures to ensure safer and smoother travel on Bengaluru’s key expressways.