The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced road widening work between Old Katol Naka and Fetri, offering much-needed relief to motorists plagued by the road’s narrow width. The project is set to be completed by April 2025, as assured by the NHAI to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court.
During a hearing on Monday before Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi, the NHAI committed to completing the project within the stipulated timeframe. The court scheduled the next hearing for December 17 to review the progress. While addressing the road conditions, the court also raised concerns about the lack of greenery along highways. Agreements for tree plantations along the Nagpur-Bhandara, Nagpur-Umred, and Nagpur-Katol stretches were discussed, with the NHAI confirming its plans to penalise contractors for failing to maintain plantations. Contractors responsible for plant deaths along these routes will face strict action, ensuring future accountability. This development follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Arun Patil, highlighting the poor condition of roads, including the Amravati-Akola-Jalgaon and Wardha-Sindkhed Raja routes. The High Court’s intervention spurred the NHAI into action, addressing the long-standing grievances of commuters.
The repair and widening work initially faced delays due to land falling under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. Permission for the project was granted only after the High Court issued a notice to the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department. Advocate Anish Kathane represented the NHAI in the court proceedings. The project not only aims to enhance connectivity but also seeks to improve safety and reduce travel time for motorists. However, ensuring environmental sustainability remains a parallel challenge, with the High Court emphasising the importance of tree plantations along highways. The court’s proactive stance has drawn attention to the need for accountability and efficient project execution. For residents and commuters in the region, the progress marks a positive step toward resolving years of inconvenience caused by inadequate road infrastructure.
