The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the district administration have demolished 65 of 90 illegal structures along the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, officials said, adding that remaining encroachments will be cleared with stricter enforcement planned.
The move follows rising concerns over road safety on the expressway stretch, where unauthorised roadside setups pose a hazard. Authorities said many of these structures were operating illegally with electricity connections and temporary arrangements.
Officials have started disconnecting power supply to such establishments. In several cases, electricity lines have been cut and wires removed to prevent reuse. Authorities warned that any reappearing encroachments will be demolished and materials seized.
Officials said the 60-km stretch passing through Nuh district has been a focus area, where over 90 illegal roadside setups were identified. Teams are regularly inspecting the area to prevent fresh encroachments.
Many accidents in the past two years were linked to vehicles parked near these illegal establishments, especially truck halting along the expressway, officials said, adding that vehicles found parked illegally will be fined and towed away, while repeat offenders may face legal action.
PK Kaushik, project director, NHAI said that due to illegal dhabas along the Delhi Mumbai expressway, many trucks are parked on the main carriageway, leading to several accidents. “We had sought the intervention of Nuh administration and asked for action against such illegal establishments. The district administration has disconnected electricity connections of these dhabas and removed many such units,” he said.
Authorities said traffic police and regional transport teams will also conduct joint drives to monitor the expressway.
The administration has also urged people to avoid stopping along the expressway and to use designated facilities.