Supreme Court Acts on Highway Safety After Tragic Rajasthan Accident
The Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance on highway safety, directly linking unauthorized roadside eateries to fatal accidents. This action comes in the wake of a devastating collision on the Bharat Mala Highway in Phalodi, Rajasthan, which claimed 15 lives on November 2.
Court's Directives and Observations
A bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi has issued notices to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The court has demanded a detailed report and has called for a specific survey to identify all illegal dhabas along the highway section where the tragedy occurred.
Justice Maheshwari pointedly observed the core problem: "Dhabas have been opened by the general public in areas which are not available for them to do this. In consequence, the vehicles go and park there. The other vehicles are not in a position to see the standing vehicles on the road, colliding with such vehicles." He emphasized the urgent need to understand how this can be regulated to prevent further loss of life.
Details of the Phalodi Accident
The court initiated the proceedings after taking suo motu cognisance of media reports about the accident. The incident involved a Tempo Traveller, carrying pilgrims returning from offering prayers at the Kolayat Temple in Bikaner and the Kapil Muni Ashram, ramming into the rear of a trailer parked on the road.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the trailer was illegally stationed in front of an unauthorized roadside eatery. The Tempo Traveller was in the process of overtaking another vehicle when it crashed into the stationary truck, leading to the high casualty count.
Expanded Scope of the Investigation
Beyond the issue of illegal dhabas, the bench has broadened its inquiry. The court has also directed authorities to provide information on:
- The current condition of the roads.
- The maintenance norms followed by contractors.
Furthermore, the bench has ordered that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the chief secretaries of all states through which these national highways pass be added as parties to the case. This indicates a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to tackling the systemic issues plaguing highway safety in India.
