Bhubaneswar: In a major move aimed at improving road safety and clearing illegal encroachments along National Highways, the Odisha Government has directed all districts to constitute dedicated “District Highway Safety Task Forces” in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court.

The directive has been issued following the Supreme Court’s suo motu case No. 9/2025 concerning prevention of road accidents and ensuring safer National Highways across the country.

Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, N.B.S. Rajput, has written an urgent letter to all district collectors, instructing them to immediately initiate the process and submit compliance reports within the next three days.

According to the government order, the task forces will be formed in every district through which National Highways pass. Since the Supreme Court has fixed a 15-day deadline for implementation of the directive, district administrations have been asked to expedite notification and operational arrangements.

Task Force Team

The District Highway Safety Task Force will include senior officials from multiple departments to ensure coordinated enforcement and monitoring.

While District Collector and District Magistrate concerned will be the chairperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) or Superintendent of Police (SP) will be the co-chairperson.,

An official of the rank of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) or Sub-Collector, nominated by the Collector, will be the nodal oficer. He will be responsible for day-to-day coordination and compliance monitoring of the DTF.

The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) or Assistant RTO, tasked with convening meetings and submitting monthly reports, will be the Member Convenor.

 Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), PWD National Highway Wing, municipal bodies, and the concerned Tahasildar will be among the other members of the Task Force

Key Responsibilities

The newly formed task forces will focus on identifying and removing illegal establishments and unsafe activities along highways.

Identification and eviction of illegal dhabas, hotels, garages, roadside shops, and unauthorized parking operating along National Highways.

Removal of encroachments under provisions of the Control of National Highways Act, 2002 after issuing statutory notices.

Ensuring that no new commercial licences or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) are granted within highway safety zones without prior approval from NHAI or the PWD.

Conducting review meetings every 15 days to monitor enforcement and safety measures.

Submission of monthly Action Taken Reports (ATR) to the Transport Commissioner.

Officials said the move is expected to strengthen highway discipline, reduce accident risks caused by roadside encroachments, and improve traffic management on major road corridors across Odisha.