The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) to establish a dedicated portal and a toll-free number for addressing encroachment complaints on national highways. This move aims to streamline the process for the public to report issues related to illegal encroachments affecting highway infrastructure.

Portal Creation: The Court has instructed MORTH to develop an online platform where citizens can lodge complaints regarding encroachments. This portal will serve as a central hub for managing and addressing these grievances efficiently.

Toll-Free Number: In addition to the digital portal, MORTH is required to set up a toll-free number to facilitate easier access for the public to report encroachments. This measure is intended to ensure that complaints can be made without any financial burden.

Objective: The primary goal of this directive is to improve the management of national highways by addressing encroachments that hinder traffic flow and pose safety risks. It reflects a commitment to maintaining and enhancing infrastructure quality.

Public Engagement: The new system will enable greater public involvement in safeguarding highway infrastructure, providing a straightforward way for citizens to contribute to the maintenance and safety of national roads.

Legal Compliance: The Supreme Court?s directive underscores the importance of adhering to legal and regulatory standards in the management of public infrastructure. It aims to ensure that highway encroachments are addressed promptly and effectively.

The establishment of a portal and toll-free number marks a significant step towards more transparent and efficient handling of highway encroachment issues, enhancing the overall management and upkeep of national highway networks in India.