Motorists navigating the narrow stretch between Old Katol Naka and Fetri will soon experience relief as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced road widening work. NHAI has assured the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court that the project will be completed by April 2024.
The matter was heard on Monday by a division bench comprising Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi. The court scheduled the next hearing for December 17.
Court-Directed Action
The widening work follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed over the poor condition of roads in the Vidarbha region. The High Court had earlier directed NHAI to address the issue, citing the road’s narrowness as a safety hazard. Initially, NHAI was slow to act, prompting criticism from the court.
The road falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, which delayed granting permission for repairs. However, following a court notice to the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department, the necessary approvals were secured.
Progress Update
With permissions in place, work on the project is now underway. During Monday’s hearing, photographs of the ongoing construction were presented to the court. NHAI reported that the repair contract was awarded to Sunrise Construction Company in September and that the contractor is working at an accelerated pace. Advocate Anish Kathane represented NHAI during the proceedings.
Relief for Motorists
The completion of the project is expected to improve connectivity and reduce inconvenience for commuters in the region. The court is closely monitoring the progress, ensuring that timelines are adhered to for the benefit of the public.