NHAI targets encroachments and illegal parking at 595 locations to improve highway safety and traffic flow
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KOHIMA — The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has intensified enforcement against encroachments and unauthorised parking along National Highways, identifying 595 critical locations across the country as part of a nationwide road safety drive.
According to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the initiative is being undertaken in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court and aims to improve road safety, traffic flow and the overall efficiency of the National Highway network.
NHAI said unauthorised parking, roadside encroachments and unregulated activities along National Highways pose significant risks to road users and disrupt the smooth movement of traffic.
To address the issue, the authority said it has identified 595 critical locations of unauthorised parking and is working with state governments, district administrations and enforcement agencies to remove them.
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The authority also said it is undertaking removal of encroachments under the provisions of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002. It is coordinating with state governments to establish District Highway Safety Task Forces and appoint nodal officers to strengthen enforcement and monitor safety-related issues.
As part of the initiative, NHAI has directed its field offices to immediately audit all Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) installations to ensure that traffic monitoring cameras, video incident detection systems, variable speed detection systems, variable message signboards and emergency call boxes are fully operational.
It added that deployment of ambulances and recovery vehicles, enhanced highway patrolling, integration of ATMS alerts with enforcement agencies and proactive maintenance of safety infrastructure are also being prioritised to improve incident response and ensure safer travel on National Highways.