he Calcutta High Court has urged the state government to establish clear guidelines regarding the placement of barricades on national highways within the state. This initiative aims to curb the increasing number of accidents caused by speeding vehicles colliding with stationary barricades.
A bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice C. Chatterjee Das heard a petition that highlighted the dangers posed by improperly placed barricades. The petitioners, represented by senior counsel, emphasized that these barricades were being installed unlawfully, leading to serious accidents. The case cited an instance where a lawyer met with a severe accident due to the unregulated placement of such barriers on a national highway.
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The counsel argued that necessary protective measures should be implemented to ensure these barricades do not endanger commuters. Documents obtained through RTI applications revealed that these barricades were neither placed by the National Highways Authority nor by the state police. Instead, they were being installed by the local police administration to regulate traffic flow.
Observing the matter, Chief Justice Sivagnanam noted that despite the presence of barricades, vehicles continued to travel at high speeds, resulting in accidents. He suggested that these barricades should be strategically placed in accident-prone areas rather than arbitrarily positioned on highways.
"The state must ensure that barricades placed on highways do not pose a risk to motorists. There should be adequate illumination and warning signs well in advance to alert drivers," the Chief Justice remarked.
Consequently, the bench directed the state authorities to issue a circular outlining proper barricade placement guidelines. It also recommended the implementation of illumination and adequate advance warnings to prevent accidents effectively.
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This directive comes as a significant step toward ensuring road safety and reducing highway accidents caused by sudden obstructions. By enforcing strict guidelines on the placement and visibility of barricades, the state can contribute to the safer movement of vehicles on national highways.
Case Details:
- Case Name: Dhruba Mukherjee vs. State of West Bengal & Others
- Case Number: WPA(P)/69/2025
The court's emphasis on structured barricade placement and safety measures highlights the urgent need for coordinated traffic management strategies. The implementation of these directives will be crucial in mitigating the risks faced by motorists on national highways.
