3 hrs ago
New SOP Targets Stray Cattle on India’s National Highways
The government has created new instructions to keep stray cows and other animals off major highways.
Animals on roads can cause serious crashes.
Highway officials must record where and when animals are found.
Frequently affected road sections will be marked as hotspots.
Officials must check these hotspots at least twice a year.
They may add lights, cameras, signs and barriers in those places.
Authorities will try to find the owners of captured cattle.
Owners may have to pay fees or penalties under applicable laws.
Drivers should follow speed limits and report animals using the 1033 helpline.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued an SOP addressing stray animals on National Highways and expressways.
Authorities must record incidents, identify recurring hotspots and review those locations at least every six months.
Planned hotspot measures include CCTV cameras, lighting, warning signs and barriers.
Officials must trace cattle owners and pursue applicable fees, fines and penalties under relevant laws.
Motorists should follow speed limits and report stray animals through the 24-hour 1033 helpline.
- Who
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, highway agencies, state governments and the National Highways Authority of India are involved.
- What
- A new standard operating procedure establishes measures to remove stray cattle and other animals from National Highways and expressways.
- Where
- National Highways and expressways, including identified stretches of NH-16 and NH-544D.
- When
- The SOP was issued amid continuing safety concerns; a PIB release cited in the report is dated July 28, 2026.
- Why
- To address the road-safety threat and accidents associated with animals entering highway carriageways.
Key facts
- Issuing authority
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Covered roads
- National Highways and expressways
- Hotspot review
- At least once every six months
- Safety measures
- CCTV cameras, lighting, signage and barriers
- Owner action
- Authorities may trace owners and recover applicable fees, fines and penalties
- Motorist helpline
- 1033, operating around the clock
- Coordination
- States must designate state-level and district-level nodal officers









