Supreme Court Questions NHAI on Compensation for 12-Hour Kerala Traffic Snarl

Quick Summary:

• The Supreme Court of India, on August 18, 2025, criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over a 12-hour traffic jam caused by an overturned wood-laden truck on national Highway 544 in Kerala.
• Justice Vinod Chandran stated that the accident resulted from a pothole and not an “act of God,” as argued by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
• The incident prompted questions from Chief Justice B.R.Gavai about whether commuters should be compensated for the time and fuel lost due to such hindrances.
• The case was part of a hearing concerning a Kerala High Court judgment that had temporarily suspended toll collection at Paliyekkara Toll Booth due to the poor condition of NH 544’s Edappally-Mannuthy stretch.
• Guruvayoor Infrastructure Ltd., responsible for managing the toll plaza, is challenging this suspension in court.
• Solicitor General Mehta mentioned that service roads were available but construction delays were exacerbated by monsoon conditions.

Indian opinion Analysis:

The Supreme Court’s inquiries reflect growing public frustration regarding infrastructure maintenance and accountability. Traffic disruptions caused by poorly maintained roads highlight systemic challenges such as negligence in quality control and delayed construction projects. Questions raised around compensation set a vital precedent for holding authorities accountable while ensuring fair treatment for taxpayers funding highway projects. This case also sheds light on challenges linked to public-private partnerships in road management, where infrastructural neglect directly impacts everyday commuters’ experience. Clear resolution mechanisms addressing future incidents are necessary to maintain public trust in national infrastructure development.

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