A 42-km stretch of National Highway 53 in Maharashtra has been proposed for expansion from four lanes to six lanes under a project estimated to cost Rs. 25.54 bn, including Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Nagpur-Wainganga section is intended to improve traffic movement and regional connectivity for passenger and commercial vehicles.

The project covers the highway from kilometre 499.800 to kilometre 541.800. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited proposals from private companies for the work, according to tender details and an official notice issued on October 9, 2026.

The expansion is proposed under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll model. Under this arrangement, the private developer selected by NHAI would construct and operate the highway, with the project forming part of the National Highways (Original Works) programme.

The deadline for submitting bids is November 26, 2026, at 11 am, while the bids are scheduled to be opened at 11:30 am on November 27. NHAI will evaluate the proposals after the bidding process and select a private developer, meaning the project remains at the tendering stage.

The Nagpur-Bhandara corridor is also linked to wider highway development plans in Maharashtra. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed several proposed projects in the state in May 2026, including the six-laning of Nagpur, as part of efforts to accelerate planning and implementation.

A 14.8-km, six-lane bypass at Bhandara on NH-53 was launched last year at an estimated cost of Rs. 7.35 bn. The bypass was developed to reduce congestion in Bhandara and support movement along the Nagpur-Raipur corridor, while the new proposal covers an adjoining section towards Wainganga.