Authorities have launched a stringent crackdown on illegal openings along the national highways. In a coordinated policy push aligned with the broader Road Safety and Safe School Vahan Policy, district administrations have instructed various agencies to shut down unauthorised cuts on major highways an action now being viewed as a vital intervention to curb the rising toll of avoidable deaths.
In recent months, stretches of NH-44 and NH-352A have emerged as critical black spots in the state’s mobility infrastructure, marred by unchecked vehicular movement, rash driving, and unauthorised entry and exit points created by private actors, including some commercial establishments. Authorities have cited these illegal openings—many reportedly constructed by liquor vendors and local businesses—as major contributors to traffic chaos and recurring fatalities. Officials have been warned that any further loss of life owing to administrative negligence could result in criminal proceedings under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reinforcing the seriousness of the drive.
Efforts to streamline safe commuting are being multi-pronged. Civic authorities, road and transport officials, the National Highways Authority of India, and the urban development agencies have been directed to coordinate seamlessly to identify and neutralise accident-prone areas, or black spots, along the highways. These will include engineering corrections such as constructing speed breakers, painting zebra crossings, and repairing road bumps that currently heighten the risk of accidents. Foot overbridges, particularly near the Barhi industrial zone, are now being enforced as compulsory crossing points for pedestrians to avoid jaywalking across fast-moving traffic. Additionally, action has been initiated to relocate electricity poles obstructing highway expansion work near Sewah village, which has long awaited the widening of NH-44 for improved vehicular dispersal.
What elevates the significance of this crackdown is its alignment with India’s evolving urban agenda—a vision that envisions sustainable, safe, and equitable mobility for all. As cities grow denser and roads busier, the need for infrastructure that promotes zero-carbon transport and prioritises human safety becomes imperative. The use of smart monitoring solutions like highway surveillance cameras, along with the installation of proper signage, indicates a shift towards more accountable and data-driven road governance.
While enforcement remains key, the campaign also signals a broader cultural reset—away from the normalisation of illegal modifications to public infrastructure in pursuit of commercial gain. By holding violators accountable and deploying punitive as well as preventive measures, the state administration aims to send a clear message that the safety of road users cannot be compromised.
As these districts take the lead in enforcing road discipline, their example could potentially set a new benchmark in urban infrastructure management—one where safety, equity, and sustainability converge to create truly people-centric cities. Whether these initiatives translate into measurable reductions in fatalities will be closely watched, but the immediate pivot towards accountability and human-centred planning marks a step in the right direction.
Also Read :https://urbanacres.in/delhi-to-jaipur-in-two-and-half-hours/
Illegal Highway Openings Face Closure in Haryana
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