The Supreme Court questioned NHAI over serious safety lapses in the Phalodi highway accident case.
The Bench sought clear details on urgent corrective measures and long-term road safety reforms.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Monday took serious note of safety lapses in the Phalodi highway accident matter and questioned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over poor road safety measures, fog-related risks, and the unchecked functioning of illegal roadside dhabas along national highways.
The case was heard by a Bench comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar. The matter has been registered as a suo motu writ petition following concerns over a tragic highway accident in Phalodi, which reportedly highlighted serious gaps in safety compliance and monitoring by highway authorities.
During the hearing, the Court sought a clear and structured response from NHAI and other concerned authorities. The Bench emphasized that instead of giving general explanations, the authorities must clearly identify specific problem areas and propose practical solutions.
The Court observed,
“First, kindly indicate the areas where immediate corrective measures are necessary and where specific directions may be warranted.”
The Bench further directed the authorities to also distinguish long-term policy issues from urgent safety failures. It stated,
“Second, identify the areas that may require further deliberation and detailed consideration.”
Making it clear that accountability and structured action are necessary, the Court added,
“Please specify these areas clearly so that appropriate steps can be taken.”
The strong remarks indicate the Court’s concern about increasing highway accidents, especially during winter months when dense fog significantly reduces visibility. The Bench questioned whether sufficient preventive measures, such as reflective signage, proper lighting, speed regulation, patrolling, and real-time warning systems, were in place on the concerned stretch of highway.
Another major issue raised during the proceedings was the existence of unauthorized roadside dhabas and commercial establishments operating along the highways. Such establishments often lead to unsafe parking of heavy vehicles, sudden pedestrian crossings, and traffic congestion, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
The Court appeared concerned that regulatory authorities may not be strictly enforcing norms against illegal constructions and encroachments near highways.
The matter also brings into focus the broader responsibility of NHAI in ensuring that highways are not just constructed, but also maintained with strict safety compliance.
The Court’s direction to categorize issues into “immediate corrective measures” and those requiring “further deliberation” suggests that the Bench intends to issue structured and time-bound directions in the coming hearings.
Legal experts believe that this case could lead to significant guidelines on fog management systems, roadside regulation, highway patrolling mechanisms, and accountability standards for highway authorities across the country. The Supreme Court’s intervention in this suo motu matter signals a strong judicial push towards strengthening road safety governance.
The case will now proceed with the authorities expected to submit a detailed response clearly outlining urgent remedial steps and long-term policy measures, as directed by the Bench.
Case Title:
IN RE PHALODI ACCIDENT Vs NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA,
SMW(C) No. 9/2025,
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