Court Orders Coordination Among Authorities to Prevent Infrastructure Damage from Overloaded Vehicles on Bihar Roads
In a significant move to curb the menace of overloaded vehicles damaging infrastructure, the Patna High Court has directed state authorities, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to enforce stringent measures under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. The judgment, delivered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Harish Kumar, emphasizes the need for coordinated actions among state authorities, toll plazas, and the NHAI to effectively manage overloaded vehicles.
The court highlighted the adverse effects of allowing overloaded vehicles to operate, noting that such practices contribute to the deterioration of roads and bridges. It directed that overloaded vehicles should not be permitted to move until the excess load is removed, as mandated by the statutory provisions. This directive follows a series of meetings conducted by the Transport Department, Government of Bihar, with key stakeholders, including the Mines and Geology Department and the Road Construction Department.
The court was informed of the challenges faced in implementing these provisions, particularly due to law and order issues at toll plazas. As a result, the court called for round-the-clock police arrangements to ensure compliance with the law. The judgment also noted the significant reduction in overloaded vehicles following stricter measures and the issuance of e-challans by the Enforcement Wing of the Transport Department, which resulted in substantial fines collected over the past few years.
The court ordered another meeting with all concerned authorities to address implementation challenges comprehensively. It expects proposals and mechanisms for strict enforcement to be submitted in affidavits covering all roads and bridges in Bihar. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 20, 2026, with an expectation that affidavits will be exchanged between the parties by then.
This ruling underscores the importance of preserving public infrastructure and the role of coordinated efforts among government departments to enforce compliance with the law effectively.
Bottom Line:
Enforcement of provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and National Highways Fee Rules, 2008 for handling overloaded vehicles, including removal of excess load, penalty, and coordinated actions among state authorities, toll plazas, and NHAI.
Statutory provision(s): Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 Sections 113, 114, 194; National Highways Fee Rules, 2008 Rule 10
Vikas Kumar v. Union of India, (Patna)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2873394
