Highways Turning Into Death Traps :Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged to Enforce Strict Truck Lane Discipline”

New Delhi: Expressing serious concern over the growing chaos and rising accidents on national highways, prominent social activist and senior journalist Vijay Shanker Chaturvedi has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to take immediate and stringent action against undisciplined movement of heavy trucks on highways.

Chaturvedi stated that highways and expressways across the country are increasingly becoming unsafe for small vehicles due to trucks occupying all lanes, including fast-moving lanes meant for smoother traffic flow. He said that reckless lane usage by heavy vehicles is causing frequent traffic congestion, dangerous overtaking situations, and fatal road accidents.

According to him, India’s modern highways and expressways were designed to ensure fast, safe, and organized transportation, but the lack of strict lane discipline among truck drivers has turned these roads into high-risk zones for commuters. Families travelling in small cars, women drivers, senior citizens, and daily commuters are facing constant fear and inconvenience because of uncontrolled truck movement.

Vijay Shanker Chaturvedi strongly demanded that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways implement a fixed lane system for trucks on all national highways and expressways. He emphasized that heavy vehicles should be legally restricted to designated lanes only, and strict enforcement must be ensured through surveillance and highway monitoring systems.

He further said that trucks frequently move into middle and fast lanes, blocking smaller vehicles and creating dangerous driving conditions. Such violations not only disrupt traffic flow but also increase the probability of major accidents and loss of lives.

Chaturvedi called for strict punitive measures against violators. He proposed heavy fines for the first offence, suspension of driving licences for repeated violations, and permanent cancellation of licences for habitual offenders. He also demanded accountability of transport companies and truck owners, suggesting seizure of vehicles involved in repeated violations of lane discipline rules.

Highlighting the urgency of the issue, he said that road safety cannot be achieved merely through policies on paper; it requires strict implementation on the ground. He urged the government to introduce advanced CCTV-based monitoring systems, automatic e-challan mechanisms, and intensified highway patrolling to maintain discipline and protect commuters.

“Road discipline is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a matter of saving human lives,” Chaturvedi said. He appealed to the Central Government to treat highway safety as a national priority and introduce immediate reforms to make Indian highways safer, smoother, and fear-free for the common public.