New Delhi Mandates Inspections And Drone Surveys To Curb Highway Encroachments
New Delhi’s urban planning and transport strategy is undergoing a significant modernisation with a new directive from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) aimed at eradicating encroachments on national highways. The move, which mandates frequent inspections and advanced drone surveys, is a crucial step towards creating a truly eco-friendly, sustainable, and equitable transport network. Unauthorised occupations on highways are not merely a legal issue; they are a major contributor to traffic bottlenecks, increased fuel consumption, and higher carbon emissions. By proactively ensuring that public infrastructure remains free for its intended purpose, the government is taking a decisive stand for smarter, more efficient mobility that benefits all citizens, regardless of their mode of travel.
The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a comprehensive framework designed to embed accountability at every level of highway management. It outlines a strict schedule for on-ground inspections: regional officers from MoRTH and agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) must inspect their jurisdictions quarterly, while project directors are now required to conduct monthly inspections. Furthermore, contractors and supervision consultants are also obligated to identify and report any encroachments, with all findings and photographic evidence to be uploaded to a dedicated digital portal. This multi-layered approach ensures a robust system of checks and balances, moving away from a reactive model to one of constant vigilance and prevention.
One of the most transformative elements of the new SOP is the mandatory use of technology for monitoring. Drone-based videography and aerial imaging have been made compulsory, with a specified frequency based on the geographical and population density of the area. Highways passing through major urban centres with populations exceeding one lakh will undergo monthly drone surveys, while smaller urban areas will be surveyed quarterly. Rural highway stretches will be monitored every six months. This use of advanced technology not only enhances the accuracy and speed of surveillance but also creates a transparent, irrefutable record of any violations. The data collected from these surveys will be invaluable for enforcing compliance and holding individuals accountable.
The new policy also gives highway officials greater teeth in their enforcement efforts. Under the provisions of the National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, encroachers will now be liable for the full cost of removal, along with additional penalties and charges. The SOP also formalises a clear process for officials to coordinate with local administrations and police forces, empowering them to seek the intervention of district magistrates to clear persistent violations. This integrated and technology-driven approach to highway management signals a commitment to fostering a safe and orderly transport ecosystem. It is a vital move for India’s economic and environmental future, ensuring that national highways, the nation’s key arteries, remain unclogged, safe, and efficient for the collective good of society.
