CJI Gavai Slams Poor Road Conditions; Reserves Verdict On Toll Collection

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Monday expressed strong concern over Delhi’s crumbling road infrastructure, remarking that just two hours of rainfall can bring the national capital to a standstill.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising CJI Gavai, Justice K Vinod Chandran, and Justice NV Anjaria, reserved its verdict on a petition filed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Court Flags 12-Hour Traffic Jam in Kerala

During the hearing, the bench referred to a 12-hour-long traffic jam on a Kerala highway, questioning the very purpose of toll collection in such circumstances.

“If it takes a person 12 hours to travel from one end of the road to the other, then what is the use of tolls?” the court observed.

Justice Chandran stressed that if vehicles remain stuck on a road for hours, the issue is not about reducing toll fees but compensating the passengers.

The bench also underlined that poorly maintained roads hinder even ambulances, which poses a serious risk to lives.

NHAI Defends Itself, Court Rejects Argument

Representing NHAI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that a truck accident caused the massive traffic jam.

The bench, however, dismissed the reasoning, stating, “The lorry did not overturn by itself.”

Mehta added that alternative roads had been arranged where underpasses were under construction, but heavy rains disrupted the work.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court suspended toll collection for four weeks, citing poor road conditions. NHAI challenged this order in the Supreme Court, which has now reserved its verdict after hearing all parties.

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