Supreme Court Seeks Speed Breakers, Rumble Strips Near Delhi High Court Crossing: “It’s a Matter of Lives”
The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Union Government to take a decision on installing speed breakers and rumble strips near the Delhi High Court crossing on Mathura Road, close to the National Zoological Garden, in view of concerns over pedestrian safety.
A Bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan took note of the safety concerns surrounding the busy stretch, where thousands of lawyers, litigants, court employees, children and other pedestrians cross the road every day.
The issue arises from a long-pending public interest litigation on road safety reforms filed by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. S. Rajaseekaran.
The Court had earlier expressed concern over the absence of adequate pedestrian safety measures at the crossing.
In its October 2025 order, the Supreme Court had specifically identified the Delhi High Court–National Zoological Garden crossing as a priority location, observing that people were crossing the busy Mathura Road without adequate traffic-calming measures.
The Court had noted that thousands of employees, litigants, lawyers, children and families use the crossing every day, creating a serious risk to their lives.
The Supreme Court had subsequently directed a nationwide survey to identify locations where additional pedestrian crossings are required, with priority to be given to the Delhi High Court crossing.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal, who is assisting the Court as Amicus Curiae, informed the Bench that the Union Government had now installed a red-light signal at the crossing.
However, Agarwal pointed out that there was still no proper pedestrian crossing, forcing several High Court employees to get down on one side of the road and manually cross over to the other side.
He also highlighted the difficulty of undertaking construction in the area because of the presence of Purana Qila.
Agarwal submitted that merely installing a traffic signal would not be sufficient and suggested the installation of speed breakers and rumble strips to slow down vehicles approaching the crossing.
He further suggested that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) constitute an expert committee to study vehicular movement and pedestrian traffic at the location and recommend appropriate remedial measures.
“My suggestion is to let MoRTH examine the vehicular movement and the pedestrian traffic flow,” Agarwal submitted.
Additional Solicitor General Vikram Banerjee, appearing for the Union Government, submitted that the installation of the red-light signal should be sufficient. However, he assured the Court that the Union would take additional measures if directed by the Bench.
Justice JB Pardiwala, however, emphasised that the issue concerned public safety and human lives.
“It’s a matter of lives. We will visit, both of us. You join us. Everybody will go there. Do you want to do that? It is for public interest.”
When the ASG submitted that the authorities had attempted to come up with better solutions, Justice Pardiwala responded:
“Solutions in India should be much, much better.”
The Bench therefore asked the Union Government to consider the suggestions regarding speed breakers and rumble strips near the crossing.
During the hearing, the Court also dealt with interlocutory applications concerning vehicle tracking devices and the constitution of the National Road Safety Board.
The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to clarify at the next hearing whether the National Road Safety Board has now become fully functional.
The proceedings form part of the Supreme Court’s continuing efforts to strengthen road safety measures and ensure safer pedestrian infrastructure across the country.
Case: S. Rajaseekaran v. Union of India & Ors.
W.P.(C) No. 295/2012
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