'Plenty Of Challans, But No Public Toilets On National Highways': Kerala High Court Raps NHAI

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 17:55 IST

The judge also drew comparisons with international practices, noting that in most countries, rest stops and convenience facilities are consistently available after short intervals

NHAI board on a national highway | Image: Representative

The Kerala High Court came down heavily on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for failing to ensure proper public toilet facilities along national highways, even as motorists continue to be penalised for traffic violations.

The court made the remarks while hearing an appeal filed by the Petroleum Dealers Association of Kerala, which challenged an earlier directive requiring petrol pumps to keep their restrooms open for public use at all times.

Justice Amit Rawal, recalling a recent journey from Jodhpur to Ranthambore, highlighted the lack of basic amenities on national highways.

“On such a long stretch, there wasn’t a single public toilet. We ended up overspeeding and got four challans—so, challans are there, but no toilets," he remarked.

The judge also drew comparisons with international practices, noting that in most countries, rest stops and convenience facilities are consistently available after short intervals.

“Here, whatever facilities exist on highways are dysfunctional. The entire burden is falling on petrol pump operators. This is unacceptable," he added.

The Division Bench comprising Justices Rawal and PV Balakrishnan partially revised the earlier ruling.

They clarified that petrol stations situated off the national highways are free to decide whether to allow public access to their toilets.

However, such facilities must remain open to customers and travellers in transit.

For fuel stations located along highways, the court ruled that restrooms should be accessible to customers, staff, and commuters during the pumps’ operational hours.

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