In a significant move to ensure the safety and integrity of India’s highway infrastructure, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to form dedicated surveillance teams to patrol and inspect unauthorised encroachments on national highways.
A bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka issued a comprehensive order mandating the Highway Administration under the National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002 and Highway Administration Rules, 2004, to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for deploying inspection teams. These teams will be responsible for conducting regular monitoring and collecting data on illegal occupations of highway land.
The top court also instructed the Union Government to constitute surveillance units comprising State Police or other enforcement agencies to undertake routine highway patrolling.
“The duty of the surveillance teams will be to do patrolling regularly and punctually. Even this compliance shall be reported within a period of three months from today,” stated the bench.
The directive came while the Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the increasing illegal encroachments on highways, which pose serious safety threats to vehicular traffic and public infrastructure.
Previously, the apex court had already asked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to ensure removal of such encroachments. The current order strengthens enforcement by adding on-ground surveillance and a formal reporting structure.
In a related move, the Court acknowledged the launch of the “Rajmargyatra” mobile app, developed by the Highway Administration to allow the public to report highway-related issues. The Court directed the Centre to ensure wide publicity for the app across print, electronic, and social media.
“Information about the availability of this mobile application shall be displayed prominently at toll and food plazas on Highways,” the bench added.
Additionally, the Court ordered the Highway Administration to:
- Share data on complaints received through Rajmargyatra, especially concerning unauthorised land occupation.
- Report on the actions taken on such complaints.
- Direct the NHAI to provide updates on the creation of a grievance redressal portal to handle public concerns more efficiently.
The matter has been listed for compliance review on September 15, 2025.