New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Monday expressed serious concern over the increasing number of fatal accidents occurring on national highways, citing a combination of poorly maintained roads and unauthorised roadside eateries as contributing factors. Taking suo motu cognisance of recent accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana, the apex court directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to submit detailed reports regarding the state of highways and the prevalence of unauthorised food outlets along these routes.

A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue, pointing out that in just two consecutive days, the nation had lost 34 lives in separate highway accidents. The bench underscored the need for immediate intervention, stating that “forty lives lost in two days is too high a price to pay” and called for a comprehensive evaluation of highway safety protocols.

The incidents in question occurred on the Bharatmala highway in Rajasthan and the Hyderabad-Bijapur highway in Telangana. On November 2, a tragic collision near Phalodi, Rajasthan, saw a tempo traveller crash into a stationary truck parked outside an unauthorised roadside eatery, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. The following day, on November 3, Telangana witnessed another catastrophe when a truck carrying gravel collided with a Telangana Roadways bus in Srikakulam, claiming 19 lives. These events prompted the Supreme Court to examine systemic factors contributing to highway accidents, with a particular focus on road infrastructure and roadside encroachments.

The bench instructed the NHAI to conduct surveys along the affected stretches of the Bharatmala and Hyderabad-Bijapur highways to assess the extent and impact of unauthorised eateries. These surveys are expected to provide insight into how such establishments, often set up by private individuals in violation of regulations, create hazardous conditions for commuters. Vehicles frequently park haphazardly near these outlets, obstructing the view of oncoming traffic and increasing the risk of collisions.

In its order, the court emphasized that poor road conditions are an aggravating factor in these accidents, despite the collection of regular tolls from commuters. The bench noted that while designated facilities, including parking bays and public amenities, exist on most highways under the Bharatmala project, these measures are often underutilised or disregarded by travellers, prompting many to stop at roadside eateries that operate without proper authorisation.

Senior advocate A.N.S. Nadkarni was appointed to assist the court in this matter, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. Nadkarni stressed that unauthorised roadside establishments and substandard road conditions are not isolated to the two identified highways but are a pervasive issue across the country. “This matter should be addressed on a pan-India basis. This problem is everywhere,” Nadkarni stated, calling for nationwide reform in highway safety and regulation of roadside businesses.

The court also issued notices to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the chief secretaries of the states connected by the affected highways, seeking coordinated responses from both central and state authorities. The bench indicated that the initial focus would be on examining the conditions and regulatory oversight along the Bharatmala and Hyderabad-Bijapur highways. Subsequent orders may extend the scope to national highways across India, ensuring that the lessons learned from these incidents inform a broader policy framework to prevent future tragedies.

The Supreme Court’s intervention comes amid growing public concern over the safety of highways in India. Road accidents continue to claim thousands of lives annually, with multiple contributing factors including driver fatigue, overloaded vehicles, inadequate signage, and poorly maintained infrastructure. The presence of unregulated dhabas and eateries exacerbates the risks, particularly in high-traffic zones where vehicles stop abruptly or park illegally to access food and other services.

Experts have long warned that roadside encroachments, including informal eateries, petrol pumps, and temporary stalls, pose serious hazards. Vehicles maneuvering around these obstructions often enter blind spots or swerve into adjacent lanes, leading to collisions. When combined with poor road surfaces, potholes, and insufficient lighting, the likelihood of serious accidents rises exponentially. The Supreme Court’s order signals the judiciary’s recognition of these compounding factors and the urgent need for systemic corrective action.

The bench has mandated that the NHAI provide a detailed report on the physical condition of the highways in question, the presence of unauthorised establishments, and the enforcement measures currently in place to manage such encroachments. Additionally, the MoRTH has been directed to review existing regulations governing highway safety and roadside amenities, including provisions for proper parking bays, signage, and rest areas for travellers.

The court’s decision also underscores the importance of inter-agency coordination. By involving both central and state authorities, the Supreme Court aims to ensure that measures are implemented uniformly and that states take proactive steps to prevent accidents. Notifications to chief secretaries are intended to facilitate administrative accountability, ensuring that local authorities monitor and regulate roadside businesses effectively.

Civil society and road safety advocates have welcomed the Supreme Court’s move, emphasizing the potential for long-term improvements in highway management. “Unauthorized eateries and poorly maintained roads are a recipe for disaster,” said Ramesh Verma, a road safety activist. “A coordinated approach, combining infrastructure upgrades, stricter enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, is essential to reduce preventable fatalities on our highways.”

The Supreme Court’s action is expected to trigger policy reviews across multiple states and could lead to tighter licensing requirements for roadside eateries, improved inspection mechanisms, and greater public education about safe stopping practices. Furthermore, the court’s attention may prompt technological interventions, such as CCTV surveillance and digital tracking of commercial activities along highways, to identify and curb unauthorised operations.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s suo motu cognisance of highway accidents highlights the urgent need for reforms to improve road safety in India. By directing the NHAI, MoRTH, and state authorities to assess road conditions and the impact of illegal roadside eateries, the court has set in motion a process that could prevent future tragedies. With coordinated action, stricter enforcement, and improved infrastructure, the goal is to make national highways safer for all travellers, ensuring that the unnecessary loss of life from preventable accidents is significantly reduced.

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