NHAI to construct 14.80 km six-lane bypass ahead of Bhandara city

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would construct a 14.80 km six-lane bypass ahead of Bhandara city for smooth flow of traffic between Nagpur-Bhandara-Raipur. The overall cost of the project is Rs 700 crore. The six-lane bypass would ease the traffic between Nagpur-Bhandara-Raipur. It also includes a bridge over the Wainganga River. Rajeev Agrawal, NHAI chief general manager (CGM) and regional officer, told the media that the Bhandara bypass would be between 485-499.80 km on NH-53 (old NH6), which would be built in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode. Agarwal informed that the Pune-based Shri Swami Samarth Engineers Limited secured the contract via a tendering process. The whole land acquisition procedure is already finished, and the work is likely to begin next month. The six-lane divided bypass would be a boon for travellers who presently use the current bridge to enter and exit Bhandara city. The NHAI CGM said that the Bhandara bypass is necessary for better connectivity and smooth vehicle movement among the Nagpur-Raipur section. On the Wainganga River, the 600 m six-lane bridge would also reduce traffic congestion. The regional officer revealed that the 10.34 km greenfield length of the bypass is entirely accessed-control by providing service road and other road safety by giving two flyovers and 17 underpasses. Currently, NHAI has reached Stage-I forest clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and tree felling is also finished. Image Source Also read: NHAI to build 5,795 km National Highways in Aspirational Districts