The Supreme Court’s recent directive to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) marks a significant step in tackling the persistent issue of encroachments on national and state highways. This landmark decision underscores the urgency of addressing unauthorised occupations that compromise road quality and safety.
Encroachments on highways have long been a major concern, obstructing traffic, worsening congestion, and posing serious hazards to both motorists and pedestrians. The Supreme Court has mandated the formation of specialised inspection teams under MORTH to conduct regular and thorough checks for encroachments. This directive, stemming from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted deficiencies in the implementation of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, includes the creation of a dedicated portal and toll-free number for public reporting. These measures are designed to improve public engagement and streamline the management of highway encroachments. By allowing citizens to report encroachments and provide photographic evidence, the new system aims to enhance responsiveness and accountability.
Implementing these directives presents several challenges, particularly in coordinating between central and state authorities. While MORTH will oversee inspections, state governments are tasked with supporting the removal of encroachments. Effective collaboration between administrative and enforcement agencies will be crucial. Additionally, the success of the new reporting tools will depend on their accessibility and user-friendliness. The extensive network of national and state highways further complicates the task, necessitating well-trained inspection teams and efficient enforcement of removal orders. Addressing these encroachments is not just a regulatory necessity but also a step towards improving road safety, enhancing transportation efficiency, and fostering better urban governance. The Supreme Court’s intervention is expected to drive significant improvements in highway management and infrastructure resilience.
