Nagpur: The Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-44), a vital route connecting several towns across Central India, has turned into a potential danger zone with large craters surfacing near Jamb. The damaged stretch has become a daily ordeal for thousands of commuters, sparking serious concerns over road safety and the apparent negligence of authorities.
To address the issue temporarily, the potholes have been filled with paver blocks — a measure that locals say has only worsened the situation. While the road may look smooth from afar, closer inspection reveals deep pits and uneven surfaces that pose a significant threat, particularly to two-wheeler riders.
“At night, the road becomes extremely risky. The paver blocks make the surface uneven, and even a slight imbalance can lead to an accident,” said a Jamb resident. Another local expressed frustration over the lack of action despite repeated complaints, saying, “We’ve informed NHAI several times, but they only assure us that repairs will happen soon. The work never seems to be a priority.”
The affected section of NH-44 falls under the jurisdiction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). According to officials, M/s Swayambhu Construction Private Limited has been assigned the ongoing repair work, while National Highway Western Projects Private Limited (NWPPL) — a concessionaire company and special purpose vehicle under the National Highways Infra Trust — is responsible for toll collection and overall maintenance.
An NHAI spokesperson acknowledged that the earlier patchwork was temporary, done during the monsoon season to prevent further deterioration. “Permanent repair work has now started and will be completed within eight to ten days,” the official said.
As commuters continue to navigate the hazardous stretch, questions persist over how long safety concerns will continue to be overlooked on one of Central India’s busiest highways.
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