The Supreme Court of India has issued strict directions prohibiting the parking or halting of heavy vehicles on national highways, except at designated spots, in a move aimed at reducing road accidents.

The court underlined that safe travel on roads is closely linked to the right to life, stressing that unattended trucks and commercial vehicles on highways pose serious risks to commuters.

The directive calls for stricter monitoring and enforcement across states, with authorities asked to ensure that highways remain obstruction-free. It also pushes for wider use of technology such as traffic monitoring systems and digital challans to track violations.

The issue of poorly managed highway stretches, including vehicles parked along roadsides, has long been cited as a major contributor to fatal accidents. The court’s intervention is expected to put pressure on both state agencies and transport authorities to improve compliance.

Officials are now expected to review existing infrastructure, including designated parking bays, and take steps to prevent unauthorised stoppages on highways.

The ruling signals a stronger push towards accountability and safer road conditions across India’s highway network.