Maharashtra Sets 60-Day Deadline to Clear Highway Encroachments and Strengthen Road Safety

New Commercial Structures in National Highway ROW Areas Banned

The Maharashtra government has launched a focused drive to improve highway safety and ensure better management of land along national highways. Municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats across the state have been directed to remove unauthorized structures and encroachments located within the Right of Way (ROW) of national highways within 60 days.

The move is aimed at creating safer and more organized highway corridors while ensuring that development near major roads follows established safety standards.

The government has also prohibited the construction or operation of new dhabas, eateries and other commercial structures within national highway ROW areas with immediate effect.

Government Moves to Implement Supreme Court Highway Safety Directions

The Urban Development Department issued the circular following the Supreme Court's directions dated April 13, 2026, in the suo motu writ petition Phalodi Accident versus National Highways Authority of India, along with W.P. (C) No. 1100 of 2025.

The directions apply across Maharashtra and require local authorities to take timely action against unauthorized construction and encroachments along national highways.

District Magistrates have been given responsibility for ensuring the removal or demolition of new and existing unauthorized structures within the 60-day deadline. The action will be carried out according to the applicable laws and the Standard Operating Procedure issued on August 7, 2025.

Highway Commercial Permissions to Follow Stricter Safety Checks

The state has also introduced tighter checks for commercial establishments operating near national highways.

Government departments, authorities and local bodies will not be allowed to issue or renew licences, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) or trade approvals for establishments located within designated highway safety areas without prior clearance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or the Public Works Department (PWD).

Existing licences for such establishments will also be reviewed within 30 days. This process is expected to help authorities identify establishments that may require further verification or corrective action under highway safety regulations.

District Highway Safety Task Forces to Monitor Progress

To strengthen coordination, the government has directed the formation of a District Highway Safety Task Force in every district through which a national highway passes.

The task force will bring together representatives from the district administration, police, NHAI or the relevant land-owning agency, PWD and local bodies. Their combined efforts will help improve monitoring, coordinate enforcement and address highway-related safety concerns more efficiently.

The task forces will conduct review meetings every two weeks and maintain proper records of their proceedings. Regular monitoring will allow authorities to track progress toward the 60-day deadline and resolve implementation issues quickly.

Collectors and Police Officials Given Key Responsibility

District Collectors and Commissioners of Police or Superintendents of Police will jointly oversee the removal of unauthorized structures and encroachments.

Their responsibility will include ensuring that enforcement action is carried out within the prescribed timeframe and in accordance with legal procedures.

The coordinated approach is expected to help local authorities work more effectively while maintaining transparency and accountability during the enforcement process.

Maharashtra to Strengthen Land Use Controls Along Highways

The Supreme Court's directions also call for state governments to issue notifications within 60 days to regulate changes in land use near national highways.

Under the directions, restrictions will apply within 40 meters from the midpoint of a national highway for residential purposes and within 75 meters for commercial purposes, in line with applicable Indian Roads Congress (IRC) norms.

These measures are designed to support safer highway development and reduce unplanned construction close to high-speed traffic corridors.

Focus on Safer and Better-Managed Highway Corridors

The Maharashtra government's latest instructions represent a coordinated effort to improve road safety, strengthen enforcement and bring development along national highways under clearer controls.

By removing unauthorized structures, reviewing existing permissions and preventing new commercial construction in highway ROW areas, authorities aim to create safer and more orderly road corridors.

The government has directed all concerned local bodies to ensure full compliance with the Supreme Court's directions, existing laws, rules and government resolutions. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that enforcement measures are implemented carefully and that there is no violation or contempt of the court's order.

With district-level monitoring, stricter permission procedures and a clear 60-day deadline, Maharashtra is taking a structured approach toward safer highways and more disciplined development along major road networks.