Judicial Eye on NH-163: TSHRC Takes Suo-Motu Cognizance, Seeks Transparency in Road Safety Enforcement

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

Hyderabad, 4, November,2025 – The Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC) has taken Suo-motu cognizance of a tragic incident that underscores the hazardous conditions along the Hyderabad–Tandur National Highway (NH-163). The incident, widely reported in the media, involved a tipper overturning after hitting a gravel-filled road, resulting in the tragic death of several passengers buried under debris.

The notice, issued by Dr. Justice Shameem Akther, Chairperson of the Telangana Human Rights Commission, seeks a detailed report from the authorities.

According to newspaper reports, the accident occurred on the notoriously dangerous stretch between Chevella and Tandur, which has earned the moniker “death corridor” due to a history of fatal accidents. The reasons cited for these recurrent tragedies include poor road conditions, lack of proper dividers, unchecked over-speeding, illegal overloading, and significant delays in highway widening projects. These factors contribute to an environment where accidents frequently occur, often with fatal outcomes.

Beyond infrastructural neglect, reports highlight serious administrative lapses and failings by enforcement authorities. There are allegations of negligence and lack of accountability from various departments involved, which have allowed repeated violations of the fundamental right to life and safety guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The continued occurrence of such incidents points to systemic failures, with regulatory enforcement falling short in ensuring road safety.

In light of the grave nature and the disturbing pattern of public fatalities along NH-163, the Commission has deemed it necessary to intervene directly. The TSHRC has, therefore, taken suo-motu cognizance of the issue, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and corrective action.

The Commission has directed that comprehensive reports be submitted by key authorities by December 15, 2025. These include:

• The Principal Secretary of the Transport, Roads & Buildings Department, Telangana, to report on the maintenance, current status of widening works, and enforcement of vehicular safety norms along NH-163.
• The Principal Secretary of the Home Department, Telangana, for details on police investigations, enforcement of traffic laws, and actions against negligent vehicle owners or drivers involved in such incidents.
• The Principal Secretary of Mines & Geology, Telangana, regarding regulation of gravel quarrying, permit monitoring, and enforcement against overloading of heavy vehicles like tippers.
• The Regional Officer of NHAI Hyderabad, to provide updates on the present condition of NH-163, ongoing widening timelines, and safety measures along the critical stretch.
• The District Collector of Ranga Reddy District, for insights into rescue and relief efforts, ex gratia payments to victims’ families, and inter-departmental coordination.
• The Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of Telangana Road Transport Corporation (TGRTC), about the overloading of passengers, vehicle maintenance, and departmental inquiries into the incident.

All authorities are instructed to furnish factual reports along with supporting documents and photographs, if any, by the stipulated date. The next hearing will be held on December 15, 2025, at 11:00 am, providing a vital platform to address the infrastructural and regulatory deficiencies endangering public safety on NH-163