Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 18: The Supreme Court of India has issued a wide-ranging set of interim directions aimed at improving safety on national highways, stressing that the “right to safe passage” is a core component of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

A Bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar passed the orders while hearing a suo motu case related to fatal accidents in Rajasthan’s Phalodi and Telangana’s Rangareddy districts that claimed 34 lives in November 2025.

Highlighting “systemic negligence and catastrophic infrastructure failures,” the court observed that such lapses violate citizens’ right to safe travel and reflect serious failures by authorities. It underscored that highways must not become unsafe due to administrative delays or poor infrastructure.

Among the key directives, the court imposed a strict ban on parking of heavy and commercial vehicles on highway carriageways and shoulders, except in designated zones. It ordered enforcement through Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), including real-time alerts, GPS-based monitoring, and e-challan mechanisms, to be implemented within 60 days.

The court also directed a nationwide inspection of highways by agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India and state departments to identify encroachments and ensure compliance. Unauthorized roadside structures, including eateries and commercial setups within highway limits, are to be removed within 60 days.

To strengthen accountability, district-level highway safety task forces will be set up, with local administrative and police heads held jointly responsible for enforcement. The court also mandated the deployment of surveillance teams and full operationalisation of monitoring infrastructure, including speed cameras and emergency systems.

In addition, authorities have been instructed to improve emergency response by deploying ambulances and recovery vehicles at regular intervals, and to develop truck lay-bys and rest areas equipped with essential amenities.

The court further ordered identification and publication of accident-prone “blackspots” within 45 days, followed by corrective measures such as better lighting, signage, and speed enforcement within four months.

Calling for coordinated action, the Bench directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to establish an inter-state mechanism to standardise highway safety enforcement.

Warning of strict consequences for non-compliance, the court said all concerned agencies would be held collectively responsible for its directions and must submit compliance reports within 75 days. The matter will be reviewed again after two months.