Supreme Court Order Fuels NHAI Crackdown: 361 Encroachments Removed from Highways
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has removed 361 illegal access points and obstacles from 693 km of national highways as part of a nationwide enforcement drive. The action follows a Supreme Court order issued in April 2025 that directed authorities to improve road safety by clearing unauthorised structures and median cuts.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NHAI said it has also served 1,403 notices against unauthorised structures, illegal commercial access points, and unapproved median cuts. These were identified as major road safety hazards on high-speed highway corridors. Additionally, the authority permanently closed 150 unauthorised median gaps, including those used for crossing, which can lead to accidents.
The drive was carried out in close coordination with district magistrates and superintendents of police to ensure smooth and effective enforcement, the statement added.
The Supreme Court, in its April 2025 order, issued sweeping directions to enhance road safety across the country. It banned the construction or operation of new dhabas and commercial establishments within the right of way of national highways. Existing unauthorised structures were ordered to be removed within 60 days. The court also prohibited the parking of heavy and commercial vehicles along highways, warning that they must not become “corridors of peril.”
NHAI's enforcement drive is a direct response to these court directives. The removal of encroachments aims to reduce accidents caused by sudden obstacles and illegal access points on high-speed corridors. The authority continues to monitor and clear these hazards in compliance with the court order.
