Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Supreme Court Investigates Rajasthan Road Accident, Cites Unregulated Dhabas
A big court, the Supreme Court, is looking into a very sad accident where 15 people died on a highway in a place called Phalodi.
The court thinks that food stalls, called dhabas, that are not allowed to be there are causing problems.
Cars and trucks park near these dhabas, making it hard for other cars to see them, leading to crashes.
So, the court has asked the government departments that build and manage roads, NHAI and MoRTH, to find out how many of these unofficial dhabas are on the highway.
They also want to know how the roads are maintained.
The court wants to figure out how to make these highways safer for everyone.
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a fatal road accident in Phalodi, Rajasthan, that killed 15 people.
The court highlighted that unauthorised roadside eateries (dhabas) contribute to accidents by causing vehicles to park in unsafe locations.
Notices have been issued to the NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, requiring reports on highway conditions and maintenance norms within two weeks.
A survey is ordered to determine the number of unauthorised dhabas along the highway in the Phalodi area.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs and chief secretaries of relevant states have been added as parties to the case.
- Who
- Supreme Court, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Union Ministry of Home Affairs, chief secretaries of affected states
- What
- Supreme Court initiated a suo motu case to investigate a fatal road accident, focusing on the role of unregulated roadside eateries (dhabas) and seeking reports on highway conditions and maintenance.
- When
- Supreme Court heard the matter on a Monday; the accident occurred on November 2.
- Where
- Phalodi, Rajasthan, on the Bharat Mala Highway.
- Why
- To understand the causes of a fatal road accident, particularly the impact of unauthorised dhabas on highway safety, and to improve road maintenance and regulation.
Supreme Court's Concern
Potential Regulatory Challenges
Role of Unauthorised Dhabas
Supreme Court's Concern
The Supreme Court views unregulated roadside eateries (dhabas) as a significant contributing factor to highway accidents due to vehicles parking near them, obstructing visibility for other drivers.
Potential Regulatory Challenges
While the court seeks regulation, the specific challenges and practicalities of regulating numerous 'dhabas opened by the general public' along vast highway networks remain to be fully addressed.
Highway Safety and Maintenance
Supreme Court's Concern
The court is seeking detailed reports on highway conditions and maintenance norms followed by contractors to ensure safety standards.
Potential Regulatory Challenges
The reports will likely detail existing maintenance protocols and any identified gaps or areas needing improvement in ensuring unobstructed and safe highway conditions.
- Date of Accident
- November 2
- Location
- Phalodi, Rajasthan (Bharat Mala Highway)
- Fatalities
- 15
- Vehicles Involved
- Tempo Traveller, parked trailer truck
- Supreme Court Action
- Took suo motu cognisance, issued notices to NHAI and MoRTH, sought survey of dhabas, requested reports on road conditions and maintenance norms.
- Additional Parties
- Union Ministry of Home Affairs, chief secretaries of affected states
- Deadline for Reports
- Two weeks
Sources
Supreme Court Seeks NHAI, Transport Ministry Reports on Phalodi Crash
SC seeks responses from NHAI, Road Transport Ministry after Phalodi road accident claims 15 lives
