The Supreme Court has questioned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over the absence of an electronic surveillance system to identify and immediately track vehicles parked or left stationary on highways. The court raised the issue amid concerns that such vehicles are contributing to serious road accidents.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Augustine George Masih and Sandeep Mehta asked why NHAI had not developed a technology-based mechanism despite having the resources to do so. The issue was raised after amicus curiae ANS Nadkarni referred to recent accidents involving vehicles stopped on highways.

The observation was made during proceedings in a suo motu case arising from the November 2025 accident in Phalodi, Rajasthan. Fifteen people were killed when a tempo traveller collided with a stationary trailer truck on the Bharatmala Highway.

The court was informed that NHAI already conducts highway patrols to identify unauthorised parking. However, the bench indicated that an electronic system could help detect stationary vehicles more quickly and facilitate immediate intervention by the authorities.

The court scheduled the matter for October 13, when it is expected to consider applications concerning the removal of encroachments from highways. It has previously directed that heavy and commercial vehicles must not park or stop on national highway carriageways or paved shoulders, except at designated bays, lay-bys or wayside amenities.

The court has also directed the Centre and NHAI to identify accident blackspots and other critical areas on national highways. It previously noted that national highways account for only around 2 per cent of India’s total road length but are linked to nearly 30 per cent of road fatalities, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement measures.