The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a crucial road widening project between Old Katol Naka and Fetri, a much-needed upgrade to alleviate traffic congestion and improve road safety. This project has been a long-standing concern for motorists, who have faced significant difficulties due to the road’s narrow width. With the work underway, the NHAI has committed to completing the project by April 2025, ensuring a smoother commute for all.
NHAI’s Commitment to Completing the Project
In a recent hearing before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, NHAI assured the court that the widening project would be completed by April 2025. The court hearing took place on Monday, with Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi overseeing the proceedings. The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 17, further monitoring the project’s progress.
The road widening initiative is a key step toward improving the infrastructure and addressing the traffic bottleneck in this area. The NHAI’s assurance is a positive development, signaling that the agency is taking the necessary steps to meet deadlines and ensure the safety and convenience of road users.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
While the road widening project progresses, concerns about environmental issues have also come to light. The Bombay High Court raised concerns about the absence of tree plantations along several highways, including the Nagpur-Bhandara, Nagpur-Umred, and Nagpur-Katol highways. In response, NHAI assured the court that action would be taken against contractors responsible for the failure to maintain greenery along these roads.
The NHAI informed the court that agreements were in place with contractors to plant and maintain trees along these highways. However, the court was made aware that some contractors had failed to uphold their commitments, resulting in the death of numerous plants. To address this, NHAI has pledged to impose penalties on the contractors who did not fulfill their obligations. This commitment reflects NHAI’s responsibility toward environmental sustainability while ensuring the road infrastructure improvements are made.
Legal Action and PIL Regarding Road Conditions
The road widening project and environmental concerns were raised following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Arun Patil. The PIL highlighted the deteriorating conditions of several roads in the region, including the Amravati-Akola-Jalgaon and Wardha-Sindkhed Raja roads. These roads were in need of urgent repairs and upgrades, prompting the intervention of the High Court.
Initially, NHAI displayed a lack of urgency in addressing the poor condition of these roads, but after the court’s criticism, the agency began taking corrective action. This includes not only the repair of damaged roads but also the widening of certain stretches to accommodate growing traffic volumes. The involvement of the High Court has ensured that these infrastructure issues are given due attention.
Land Acquisition and Forest Department Involvement
One of the challenges that NHAI faced during the road widening process was obtaining approval for the land required for the project. The land in question falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, meaning NHAI had to seek permission before proceeding with the work. Initially, NHAI faced delays in securing the necessary clearance. However, the situation changed when the High Court issued a notice to the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department, which expedited the approval process.
With the required permissions now in place, NHAI has moved forward with the road widening project, focusing on the essential upgrades that will benefit commuters in the region. The collaboration between NHAI, the Forest Department, and the High Court has been pivotal in ensuring the project’s smooth progress.
Conclusion
The road widening project between Old Katol Naka and Fetri is a significant development that will ease traffic congestion and improve the road infrastructure in the region. NHAI’s commitment to completing the project by April 2025, along with the court’s active role in overseeing the project’s progress, highlights the importance of timely and efficient execution. Furthermore, the court’s intervention on environmental matters demonstrates the need for a balanced approach to infrastructure development. With these efforts in place, commuters can look forward to a safer and more efficient road network in the near future.
Refer,
Economic Times, Link to article
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