Archive · 15 Dec 2025
Supreme Court Considers National Highway Safety Rules
The Supreme Court of India is thinking about making new rules to stop accidents on big roads and highways.
A recent accident in Phalodi, Rajasthan, where 15 people died, made them think about this.
The court is worried about illegal small restaurants and eateries on the sides of these roads, which might be causing accidents.
They asked the people in charge of the roads, like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to explain what they are doing about these illegal places.
The court wants to make sure these rules are followed all over the country to prevent more accidents like the one in Phalodi.
They are also looking at pictures of these illegal places to understand the problem better.
The Supreme Court is considering nationwide guidelines to prevent road accidents on expressways and national highways.
A recent accident in Phalodi, Rajasthan, where 15 people died, has highlighted the issue of illegal dhabas and eateries on highways.
The court has asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit rules and regulations for taking action against these illegal eateries.
The court is seeking to identify which authorities are responsible for removing these encroachments and ensuring the implementation of safety guidelines.
The NHAI has stated that while they have the power to remove illegal dhabas, the responsibility is generally delegated to local district magistrates.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), local district magistrates, and various intervenors
- What
- The Supreme Court is considering formulating pan-India guidelines to prevent road accidents on expressways and national highways, particularly focusing on the issue of illegal dhabas and eateries
- When
- The court's deliberations are ongoing, with a recent accident on November 2, 2023, in Phalodi, Rajasthan, prompting the discussions
- Where
- The discussions are taking place in the Supreme Court of India, with the recent accident occurring near Matoda village on the Bharat Mala highway in Phalodi, Rajasthan
- Why
- The court is concerned about the safety of national highways and expressways, particularly the role of illegal dhabas and eateries in causing road accidents
- Date of Accident
- November 2, 2023
- Location of Accident
- Matoda village, Bharat Mala highway, Phalodi, Rajasthan
- Number of Fatalities
- 15 (10 women and 4 children)
- Court Involved
- Supreme Court of India
- Key Issue
- Illegal dhabas and eateries on national highways
- Responsible Authority
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local district magistrates
- Court's Action
- Seeking guidelines to prevent road accidents and remove illegal encroachments
