The Supreme Court has urged the NHAI to implement high-tech surveillance at toll plazas to curb illegal parking and encroachments on highways following fatal accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana.
New Delhi: In a significant move toward enhancing road safety, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday expressed serious concerns regarding encroachments and stationary vehicles on national highways. A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to consider the installation of camera surveillance systems and dedicated monitoring rooms at toll plazas.
The court was presiding over a suo motu case initiated following two catastrophic road accidents in November 2025. The first incident occurred in the Phalodi district of Rajasthan, where a pilgrim vehicle struck a parked truck, and the second in the Rangareddy district of Telangana, resulting in a combined death toll of 34 individuals. The Bench reiterated that the safety of highway users is an integral component of the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the transition from manual patrolling to automated surveillance is critical for India's expanding highway network. Static hazards like illegal parking and poorly marked 'blackspots' are leading causes of high-speed collisions, and real-time monitoring is essential for rapid emergency response.
Vehicles parked illegally along highways remain a major safety concern and are a recurring cause of road accidents.
During the proceedings, the NHAI counsel argued that circulars had already been issued for regular inspections and highway patrols. However, the Bench suggested that technology would provide a more robust solution. Senior Advocate A.N.S. Nadkarni, acting as amicus curiae, supported this by highlighting that illegal parking remains a persistent and deadly threat on major transit corridors.
Historical Background
This judicial intervention follows a series of directions issued by the apex court in April. The court had previously mandated that District Magistrates ensure the removal of unauthorized structures within highway safety zones within 60 days. Furthermore, it barred local bodies from issuing any No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) or trade licenses within these zones without prior clearance from the NHAI or the Public Works Department (PWD).
The tragic events of November 2025 served as a grim catalyst for these proceedings. On November 2, a tempo traveller carrying pilgrims from Jodhpur collided with a truck parked near an eatery on the Bharatmala highway, killing 15 people. Just a day later, a head-on collision in Telangana claimed 19 lives, including an infant, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Supreme Court's primary suggestion to NHAI?
The Court suggested utilizing technology, specifically CCTV surveillance and monitoring rooms at toll plazas, to better oversee highway hazards.
2. Why is the Supreme Court intervening in highway safety?
The intervention is a response to major accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana and is based on the principle that highway safety is a fundamental right under Article 21.
