The Maharashtra government has directed local authorities to remove unauthorised structures built within the Right of Way (ROW) of national highways across the state. This means illegal dhabas, restaurants and commercial buildings must be removed or demolished within 60 days.
The Urban Development Department issued a government circular on Monday, August 10, following the Supreme Court's April 13, 2026, order in the suo motu writ petition concerning the Phalodi accident and the National Highways Authority of India. The directions were sent to all municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra.
The government has also prohibited the construction or operation of any new dhaba, restaurant or commercial building within the ROW of a national highway. District magistrates have been instructed to take action against both new and existing unauthorised structures. They must remove or demolish them within 60 days.
The government has also tightened rules for establishments located near national highways. No department can issue or renew a licence, No Objection Certificate (NOC) or trade approval for a property located within a highway safety zone without prior approval from the Public Works Department (PWD) or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Licences already issued to such establishments must also be reviewed within 30 days. The directions cover all relevant local authorities and government bodies responsible for permissions and approvals.
The circular also requires every district with a national highway pass to have a District Highway Safety Task Force. The task force will consist of officials from the administration, police force, NHAI or the owner agency, PWD and local organisations.
The District Collector and the Commissioner of Police or Superintendent of Police will share responsibility of removing the encroachments. The task forces must maintain records of their proceedings and conduct review meetings every two weeks to monitor action and compliance.
The state governments will issue notifications within 60 days to restrict changes in land use near national highways. In line with applicable Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, the restrictions will cover a distance of 40 metres from the centre line of a national highway for residential use and 75 metres for commercial use.