The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a directive aimed at clearing encroachments along national highways, signalling a proactive stance against unauthorised occupation of road space.
The move mandates officers and implementing agencies overseeing highway projects to identify and address encroachments during inspections, emphasising the need for a clutter-free and safe highway network. According to the circular issued by MoRTH, inspecting authorities are now obligated to identify unauthorised occupation during highway inspections, document such instances in their reports, and instruct designated administrations to take immediate action for removal. This directive underscores the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the unimpeded flow of traffic and enhancing road safety standards across the national highway network. Key stakeholders responsible for highway administration, including project directors of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), managerial-level officers of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and executive engineers of state public work departments (PWDs), have been entrusted with the task of preventing encroachments within their respective jurisdictions. This signifies a collaborative effort involving both central and state-level agencies to combat encroachments effectively.
To facilitate transparency and accountability, officials and agencies under the ministry are required to conduct regular inspections of highway sites and promptly report their findings on the Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS). This digital platform serves as a centralised repository for monitoring project progress and ensuring timely intervention to address issues such as encroachments. The initiative comes in the wake of recent directives from the Supreme Court urging NHAI to develop a comprehensive scheme for regular highway inspections and grievance redressal mechanisms. Encroachments, particularly by dhaba owners and street vendors, have been identified as significant contributors to traffic congestion and road accidents, necessitating urgent action to mitigate these challenges. In line with recommendations from the parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism, and culture, MoRTH aims to formulate effective policies to curb encroachments, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of the national highway infrastructure.
