Illegal ‘Dhabas’ to be removed from National Highways

Pioneer News Service
Jamshedpur

Illegal dhabas, restaurants and other unauthorized commercial establishments along national highways will be identified and removed as part of a major drive to strengthen road safety and ensure smooth traffic movement.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the District Highway Safety Task Force held at the Collectorate Auditorium under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Rajiv Ranjan.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on strengthening road safety measures on national highways, preventing accidents and ensuring the safe movement of the general public. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to take strict action against illegal parking, roadside encroachments and unauthorized commercial structures.

Special emphasis was laid on keeping the Right of Way area of national highways completely free from encroachment. Officials were directed to identify illegal dhabas, roadside eateries, restaurants and other commercial establishments and take necessary action against them in accordance with the rules.

Rajiv Ranjan also stressed the need for regular inspections and patrolling along national highways. He directed officials to make effective use of technology, including drone surveys, CCTV surveillance, Advanced Traffic Management Systems, GPS-based monitoring, e-Challans and other technological tools, to strengthen enforcement and monitoring.

The Deputy Commissioner said road safety was not merely about following traffic rules but was directly linked to the safety of people and their families. He said every road accident causes immense pain and anxiety to families, and therefore all concerned departments must work with sensitivity and coordination to ensure the effective implementation of road safety measures.

The meeting also focused on improving accident-prone locations or black spots. Directions were issued to ensure adequate lighting, emergency medical assistance, crane facilities, lay-bys, parking spaces and wayside amenities at appropriate locations.

Emphasising the importance of quick response after accidents, the Deputy Commissioner said every minute was crucial during rescue and relief operations. He directed the authorities to ensure the prompt removal of accident-damaged vehicles from national highways and restore normal traffic movement without delay.

A review of licences, No Objection Certificates and commercial approvals related to national highways was also undertaken during the meeting. Officials were instructed to ensure that the issuance and renewal of such permissions strictly adhere to prescribed highway safety standards. Permissions found to be inconsistent with safety norms would be reviewed in accordance with regulations and necessary action taken.

The Deputy Commissioner also asked all concerned departments and representatives of the National Highways Authority of India to work in close coordination and ensure strict and time-bound compliance with road safety directives issued by the Supreme Court.

Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Ehtesham Waquarib, the District Transport Officer, officials of concerned departments and representatives of the National Highways Authority of India attended the meeting.