Patna: The Bihar government has decided to launch a comprehensive enforcement drive against encroachments, unauthorized parking and unsafe commercial activity along national highways, following directives from the Supreme Court aimed at improving road safety.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, with participation from key stakeholder departments of the Bihar Road Safety Council, including the Transport Department, Road Construction Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Urban Development and Housing Department, and Police Headquarters.
Senior officials present included Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar, Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) Sudhanshu Kumar, and State Transport Commissioner Arif Ahsan.
Supreme Court-Directed Road Safety Push
The action plan follows Supreme Court intervention after fatal highway accidents in parts of Rajasthan and Telangana, where encroachments and illegal parking were identified as contributing factors. The court had directed states to strengthen enforcement and ensure obstruction-free national highways.
Officials said the Bihar initiative is aimed at reducing accident risks linked to unmanaged roadside activity and improving compliance with highway safety norms.
Ban on Unauthorized Parking
The state government has imposed a complete ban on unauthorized parking of heavy and commercial vehicles within the ‘Right of Way’ of national highways.
Vehicles will now be permitted to park only at designated truck lay-bys and authorised roadside amenities. Violations will attract fines and other punitive measures under applicable laws.
Removal of Illegal Dhabas and Structures
Authorities have been directed to remove unauthorized eateries, hotels and commercial structures within the ‘Right of Way’ of national highways within 20 days.
If such encroachments are not cleared within the deadline, district-level highway safety task forces—headed by District Magistrates—will carry out demolition drives with support from district administration, police, NHAI, the Road Construction Department and civic bodies.
Restrictions on New Construction and Access Rules
The government has also imposed an immediate ban on new commercial construction within highway ‘Right of Way’ zones. Any new development will require prior No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned authorities, including NHAI or the Road Construction Department.
Existing establishments with direct highway access have been directed to construct alternative service roads for safe entry and exit. Failure to comply may lead to action under the Control of National Highways Act, 2002.
Safety Zone Compliance and Public Reporting
Officials clarified that structures located within designated highway safety zones—40 metres in residential stretches and 75 metres in commercial stretches—will also require mandatory NOC approval.
The public has been encouraged to report violations through the toll-free helpline 1033 or the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ mobile application to support enforcement efforts.
