Parliament Question: Implementation of Supreme Court guidelines on road safety

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 581 ANSWERED ON - 04/02/2026 IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES ON ROAD SAFETY 581. DR. FAUZIA KHAN: Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Ministry is aware that the Supreme Court has recently issued comprehensive directions for significantly strengthening road and pedestrian safety; (b) if so, the steps being taken to ensure nationwide compliance with these directions within the stipulated timelines, including coordination with State Governments, NHAI, police and municipal agencies launching public awareness campaigns; (c) whether the Ministry is developing and implementing central guidelines for pan-India pedestrian and non-motorized transport safety and monitoring the imposition of liability on officials in cases of design failures leading to fatalities; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI) (a) Yes Sir. (b) to (d) Compliance of the directions of the Supreme Court is substantially required at the level of States/UTs besides National Highways (NHs). Government of India in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has forwarded the direction of Supreme Court of India to the Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs and to NHAI and other NH implementing agencies for compliance. Comprehensive guidelines already exist in the form of IRC:103-2022 “Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities” which caters to pedestrian safety. Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes and MoRTH Specifications are followed for Road and Bridge Works on National Highways. In accordance with the Rule 166 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, the design, construction and maintenance of roads other than National Highways shall be in accordance with the standards and specifications of the Indian Road Congress as may be applicable, or any other instructions or guidelines issued by the State Government from time to time.The Supreme Court has given directions to the State/UTs to formulate and notify Rules under Section 138(1A) of the Motor Vehicle Act within a period of six months, if not already framed, for the purposes of regulating the activities and access of non-mechanically propelled vehicles and pedestrians to public places and National Highways and to formulate and notify Rules under Section 210-D of the Motor Vehicle Act within a period of six months, if not already framed, for design, construction and maintenance of standards for roads other than National Highways. *****