The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) commenced work to widen the road between Old Katol Naka and Fetri, offering relief to motorists who have long faced difficulties due to its narrow width.
The NHAI assured the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court that the project will be completed by April next year. This assurance came during a hearing on Monday before Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi, with the next hearing set for December 17.
During the proceedings, the HC also expressed concerns regarding the absence of tree plantations along several highways. In response, the NHAI pledged to take action against the contractor responsible for the lack of greenery. The court was informed about the agreements made between NHAI and contractors for tree plantations along the Nagpur-Bhandara, Nagpur-Umred, and Nagpur-Katol highways. NHAI confirmed that contractors who failed to maintain the plants — leading to their death — would face penalties.A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by lawyer Arun Patil concerning the poor condition of roads, including the Amravati-Akola-Jalgaon and Wardha-Sindkhed Raja roads, prompting the HC to intervene.
NHAI initially showed little urgency in addressing the issue, but following the court’s criticism, it began the repair and widening process. Since the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, NHAI required their approval for the work. Permission was granted only after the High Court issued a notice to the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department. Advocate Anish Kathane represented the NHAI during the court session.
