New Delhi, Nov 10 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to submit detailed reports on the presence of roadside dhabas and the condition of highways, after taking suo motu cognisance of recent fatal road accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana.
A Bench comprising Justice J K Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi directed that a survey be conducted within two weeks to identify the number of dhabas operating along national highways on land not earmarked for such establishments.
The Court observed that the unauthorised dhabas lead to vehicles being parked dangerously on the roadside, creating blind spots and collision risks.
“Dhabas have been opened by the general public on areas which are not available for them. Vehicles stop and park there. Other vehicles are unable to detect these stationary vehicles in time, leading to accidents,” the Bench noted.
The Court also sought a status report on the maintenance of road stretches, including whether contractors are adhering to prescribed safety norms and standards.
Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Chief Secretaries of States concerned have been impleaded to assist in devising corrective measures.
During the hearing, Justice Maheshwari said that the issue required regulatory intervention, “People stop their trucks and go to the dhabas. The vehicles coming at speed collide with them. We have to examine how this can be controlled and regulated.”
As per preliminary details referred to by the Court, the Phalodi accident in Rajasthan on November 2 resulted in at least 15 deaths after a tempo traveller carrying pilgrims collided with a stationary truck parked near an eatery on the Bharatmala highway. In a similar tragic incident in Telangana, 19 lives were lost.
The matter will next be taken up after the reports are filed.
