The Supreme Court has issued interim directions to improve safety measures on national highways, emphasizing the importance of the “right to safe passage” as part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. This decision comes following fatal road accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana that resulted in 34 deaths in November 2025. The court highlighted systemic negligence and infrastructure failures that jeopardize safe passage for road users.
The Bench led by Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar expressed concern over administrative lapses that endanger lives on expressways. It emphasized that the right to life is not just about preventing loss of life but also ensuring a secure environment where human life is respected. The court’s directives include a ban on parking heavy vehicles on national highways except at designated areas, enforcement through Advanced Traffic Management Systems, and a comprehensive inspection of highways nationwide.
The Supreme Court’s orders also involve the removal of unauthorized roadside structures within the Right of Way of national highways and the establishment of District Highway Safety Task Forces for accountability. It mandated the deployment of highway surveillance teams, basic life support ambulances, and recovery cranes at regular intervals to enhance emergency response capabilities. Additionally, the court directed the construction of truck lay-bye facilities, wayside amenities, and the identification of accident blackspots for targeted safety measures.
