NH-715 Expansion Faces Legal Scrutiny as Ministry and NHAI Submit Revised Proposal
The much-discussed NH-715 expansion project has encountered significant hurdles after the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed before the Gauhati High Court that the expansion was not yet approved by the ministry. The expansion of the highway, initially planned for the stretch between Kaliabor Tiniali in Nagaon district and Numaligarh in Golaghat district, has raised concerns from various stakeholders, and a revised proposal is now being prepared for submission.
The case surrounding NH-715’s expansion came to the court’s attention after two separate petitions were filed by individuals who raised concerns over the new alignment of the highway. While the authorities had initially approved a four-lane expansion, the petitioners alleged that this approval was given for a new alignment that differed from the one originally notified by NHAI. The petitioners argued that the highway was being constructed on an alignment different from the one that was declared in official documents. Although NH-715 was initially planned as a Brown Field project, allowing for upgrades along the same alignment, the authorities decided to construct the highway on a new route, which the petitioners contested.
The issue of a change in alignment was at the heart of the legal action. NH-715, which begins at its junction with NH-15 near Tezpur and connects significant locations like Jakhalabandha, Bokakhat, and Jorhat, was supposed to follow a pre-established route. However, the construction authorities chose an alternative alignment, a move which prompted public concerns and legal action. Following the petitions, the Gauhati High Court stepped in to review the matter. Initially, the court ruled that it wasn’t within its purview to interfere with the alignment of highways, a decision that typically falls under the jurisdiction of road authorities. However, the petitioners raised pertinent issues that prompted the court to demand further clarification from NHAI and MoRTH. On January 20, 2025, the court directed the NHAI to explain its stance on the alleged deviation from the approved alignment. In response, both the ministry and NHAI filed affidavits confirming that the project was under review, and that the authorities would submit a modified proposal with an alternative alignment.
On February 8, 2025, the Ministry and NHAI’s submission led the court to close the petitions, as it was agreed that NHAI would now proceed with a revised plan. The new alignment, as outlined in the revised proposal, will be adjusted according to feedback and legal considerations. The expansion of NH-715 into a four-lane highway is crucial for improving connectivity across Assam, especially for regions such as Nagaon and Golaghat. The proposed expansion is expected to enhance transport infrastructure, reduce travel times, and bolster regional economic development.
However, the delay due to the legal challenge is concerning, as the project’s completion is integral to the economic development of the region. The change in alignment has also raised questions about the transparency of the approval process and the efficiency of highway planning in the country. With the NHAI now tasked with revising its proposal, stakeholders in the region hope that the modifications will address the concerns raised by the petitioners. The case also highlights the need for clearer communication between authorities and the public when it comes to major infrastructure projects, ensuring that all affected parties are aware of changes before they are implemented. For the residents of the Nagaon and Golaghat districts, the outcome of this review will be crucial. As they await the revised plans, there is hope that this ongoing process will lead to a well-planned and approved highway expansion, which can foster economic growth and improve transportation infrastructure for years to come.
