Patna High Court Seeks NHAI Action on Overloaded Vehicles Damaging Bihar Highways
The Patna High Court has taken a proactive stance on the issue of overloaded vehicles, especially those carrying sand, which are causing significant damage to the national highways and bridges across Bihar. On Friday, the court directed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to outline effective measures to curb this rampant problem.
Court's Concern Over Infrastructure Damage
The court's directive emerged during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Vikas Kumar. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Bibek Chaudhuri, expressed serious concerns after advocate general PK Shahi highlighted the detrimental impact of overloaded heavy vehicles on the state's road infrastructure.
Shahi, acting as amicus-curiae or friend of the court, pointed out that these vehicles are not only damaging the roads but also posing a threat to both large and small bridges throughout Bihar. The court is actively monitoring the construction and widening of the Ara-Mohania highway section of NH-30, a crucial link connecting the state capital to the Grand Trunk Road (NH-2).
Allegations of a Syndicate and Proposed Solutions
During the proceedings, Shahi made a startling revelation, alleging the existence of a well-entrenched syndicate. This syndicate reportedly includes officials from both state and central governments, as well as their agencies deployed on national highways. According to Shahi, these individuals amass substantial illicit profits by permitting overloaded sand-laden vehicles to operate on the highways.
To combat this issue, Shahi proposed a technological solution. He suggested that the NHAI install sensor-based weighing platforms with automatic functional gates on the highways, similar to those seen on expressways in other parts of the country. This measure, he argued, could effectively curb the problem by preventing overloaded vehicles from plying on the roads.
Court's Directive and Future Hearing
In response to these concerns, the Patna High Court has ordered the NHAI to submit a detailed response by February 13. The court will then take up the matter for further hearing to assess the proposed measures and ensure compliance. This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and addressing systemic issues that compromise road safety and durability in Bihar.
