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| Safer Highways | | |
In a landmark decision that promises to enhance road safety and improve public infrastructure, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) to implement a systematic approach for inspecting roads and addressing unauthorized encroachments. A bench led by Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih has called for the creation of specialized teams to regularly inspect highways and a dedicated portal for public reporting of encroachments.
This move, which underscores the judiciary’s active role in ensuring the integrity of essential infrastructure, could mark a significant step towards safer and more functional roadways.
Encroachments on highways have long been a persistent problem in India, contributing to traffic congestion, accidents, and the degradation of road quality. Illegal occupations of roadways, often by vendors, illegal constructions, or other unauthorized entities, not only hinder traffic flow but also pose serious safety risks to commuters. The Supreme Court’s directive addresses these issues by mandating frequent inspections and enabling a more responsive approach to tackling encroachments.
The establishment of specialized inspection teams can lead to regular and systematic inspections. It will allow for the timely identification and removal of unauthorized occupations before they can become entrenched problems. This proactive approach is likely to be more effective than sporadic checks, which often fail to address encroachments before they escalate.
Moreover, the creation of a portal for public reporting represents a significant step towards leveraging community involvement in maintaining road safety. This digital platform will empower citizens to report encroachments easily and provide photographic evidence, facilitating a more transparent and accountable process. The inclusion of public input in monitoring road conditions can lead to more effective management of highways, as it taps into the collective awareness of those who use these roads daily.
This initiative also aligns with broader trends towards digitization and citizen engagement in governance. By incorporating technology into infrastructure management, MORTH will not only streamline the process of handling encroachments but also set a precedent for other sectors. The portal will serve as a critical tool for both the public and authorities, making the process of reporting and addressing road issues more efficient and less bureaucratic.
The Supreme Court’s directive to MORTH represents a proactive and innovative approach to addressing the challenge of road encroachments.
The Apex Court has set the stage for a more organized and responsive system for maintaining the integrity of India’s highways. As this initiative progresses, it will be essential to monitor its implementation closely and ensure that it achieves its intended goals of enhancing road safety and improving the overall quality of road infrastructure. |
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