Take Steps To Ensure Safe Motorable Road On NH-66 And NH-275 Between Mangalore-Udupi: Karnataka High Court Tells NHAI

The Karnataka High Court on Friday directed the National Highways Authority and other respondents to take remedial steps to ensure safe, motorable and scientifically maintained roads on National Highway-66, National Highway-275 (Stretch between Mangalore-Udupi) and other arterial roads of coastal Karnataka.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha disposed of the petition filed by Advocate Akash S. The counsel for the petitioner argued that the road on the mentioned highways is in bad condition and recently a fatal accident occurred due to potholes.

The bench, on going through the averments, said “In view of the averments made in the petitioner, we direct the concerned respondents to examine the prayers of the petitioner and take such steps as it considers warrant.”

Accordingly, it disposed of the petition.

Background

The petition had sought a prayer to declare that the continuing inaction and neglect of the respondents in ensuring safe, motorable and scientifically maintained roads on National Highway-66, National Highway-275 and other arterial roads of coastal Karnataka, constitute a violation of the citizens' fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d) and 21 of the Constitution of India.

It had also sought for the court to direct authorities to forthwith ensure that the project concessionaires and contractors, including respondent nos.3 to 6, undertake durable, scientific and permanent repairs and maintenance of the carriageways, service roads, culverts, medians, pedestrian crossings and allied infrastructure, strictly in accordance with the appropriate standards and good engineering practices.

Further, direct the respondents collectively to put in place a court-monitored mechanism for implementing effective road safety measures, identifying and rectifying black spots and accident-prone zones, ensuring public grievance redressal through a transparent and accessible complaint system, fixing accountability of toll contractors, concessionaires and officials responsible for lapses, including recovery of damages and penalties where warranted.

Case Title: Akash S AND Union of India & Others

Case No: WP 28122/2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 347

Appearance: Advocate Akhileshwari for Petitioner.

Deputy Solicitor General Shanthi Bhushan H for R1, R2.

AGA Niloufer Akbar for R7