Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha to Curb Hazardous Highway Parking

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has called on Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to crack down on the unauthorised parking of heavy vehicles along national and state highways, warning that the practice poses a serious threat to road safety.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Pradhan highlighted the growing problem of trucks parked in long queues across mining and industrial zones. He said such obstructions increase the likelihood of road accidents and put commuters at risk.

The MP urged the state government to enforce existing laws firmly and hold drivers, transport companies and industrial establishments accountable for violations arising from poor vehicle management.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s order of April 13, 2026, Pradhan emphasised that safe travel on highways is connected to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. He also stressed that heavy and commercial vehicles must use authorised parking facilities rather than occupy highways and major traffic corridors.

To prevent violations, he proposed continuous highway surveillance, electronic challans and periodic inspections by district road safety task forces. He also called for greater responsibility among district collectors and superintendents of police to ensure effective implementation.

Pradhan pointed to the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025, seeking enforcement of provisions that prescribe fines of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 for dangerous road use. He also highlighted legal powers to impound vehicles, recover parking fees and impose imprisonment of up to six months or fines of up to ₹20,000 for certain offences, including unsafe driving and overloading.

The Sambalpur MP further urged the government to take legal action against mining and industrial companies whose inadequate transport arrangements contribute to roadside congestion. He said company officials and directors should also face consequences wherever the law allows.

As a long-term solution, Pradhan proposed requiring mining operators to develop designated holding yards away from highways, equipped with essential facilities for trucks waiting to be loaded or unloaded.