+
Nagpur HC Raps NHAI Over Delay In 48-Km Katol Road Project
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Nagpur HC Raps NHAI Over Delay In 48-Km Katol Road Project

The Nagpur Bench of the High Court has strongly criticised the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for delays in completing a crucial 48-kilometre stretch of the Nagpur-Katol four-lane road project. Sanctioned in September 2021, the project—spanning from the 13-kilometre to the 62-kilometre mark on National Highway 357J—was awarded to joint contractors Agarwal Global Infratech Pvt. Ltd. and Joint Stock Company Industry Association.

Due to prolonged delays and the resulting inconvenience to the public, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Dinesh Thakre, former chairman and current director of APMC Katol, alongside other petitioners. During the latest hearing, the court instructed the NHAI Project Director to submit a detailed timeline for the project’s completion. Advocate Mahesh Dhatrak appeared for the petitioners, while Chief Government Pleader Deven Chauhan represented the state.

The court further questioned why criminal charges should not be filed against NHAI officials and the contractor firms for their alleged negligence. This comes after previous directions where the court asked the state to furnish data on accidents in Kalmeshwar and Katol tehsils—data that was submitted during Thursday’s hearing.

Despite being awarded in March 2021 with a completion deadline of October 2023, the project remains unfinished, causing disruption for commuters over the past five years. The court expressed serious displeasure, noting that citizens had to resort to legal action because of the Union Ministry of Transport and NHAI’s inaction.

Interim orders had earlier mandated the installation of reflective boards and diversion signage for commuter safety, but the court observed that these measures remain only partially implemented. The matter remains under judicial scrutiny, with the court demanding clear accountability and immediate remedial steps.


The Nagpur Bench of the High Court has strongly criticised the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for delays in completing a crucial 48-kilometre stretch of the Nagpur-Katol four-lane road project. Sanctioned in September 2021, the project—spanning from the 13-kilometre to the 62-kilometre mark on National Highway 357J—was awarded to joint contractors Agarwal Global Infratech Pvt. Ltd. and Joint Stock Company Industry Association.Due to prolonged delays and the resulting inconvenience to the public, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Dinesh Thakre, former chairman and current director of APMC Katol, alongside other petitioners. During the latest hearing, the court instructed the NHAI Project Director to submit a detailed timeline for the project’s completion. Advocate Mahesh Dhatrak appeared for the petitioners, while Chief Government Pleader Deven Chauhan represented the state.The court further questioned why criminal charges should not be filed against NHAI officials and the contractor firms for their alleged negligence. This comes after previous directions where the court asked the state to furnish data on accidents in Kalmeshwar and Katol tehsils—data that was submitted during Thursday’s hearing.Despite being awarded in March 2021 with a completion deadline of October 2023, the project remains unfinished, causing disruption for commuters over the past five years. The court expressed serious displeasure, noting that citizens had to resort to legal action because of the Union Ministry of Transport and NHAI’s inaction.Interim orders had earlier mandated the installation of reflective boards and diversion signage for commuter safety, but the court observed that these measures remain only partially implemented. The matter remains under judicial scrutiny, with the court demanding clear accountability and immediate remedial steps.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

L&T to Build India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant for IOCL

The plant will be developed on a build-own-operate (BOO) model and will supply 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually to IOCL for a period of 25 years. It will operate entirely on renewable energy, aligning with IOCL’s decarbonisation goals and India’s broader net-zero ambitions.Green hydrogen at the plant will be produced using high-pressure alkaline electrolysers manufactured at L&T Electrolysers Ltd’s facility in Hazira, Gujarat. This initiative further showcases L&T’s commitment to localised, self-reliant clean-tech solutions under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.LTEG’s..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bansal Wire Q1 Profit Rises 24.6% to Rs 393 Mn

Bansal Wire Industries, India’s largest stainless steel wire manufacturer and second-largest steel wire maker by volume, reported a 24.6 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit to Rs 393 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q1 FY26).During the quarter, revenue rose 14.9 per cent YoY to Rs 9,390 million, while EBITDA increased by 19.6 per cent YoY to Rs 745 million, reflecting the company's strong operational performance and focus on value-added segments.According to Pranav Bansal, MD & CEO of Bansal Wire Industries, the company has started FY26 on a strong note, building on the ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Lemon Tree Opens Keys Lite Hotel in Banswara, Rajasthan

Lemon Tree Hotels has launched its latest property, Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Banswara, further expanding its footprint in Rajasthan. This marks the group’s 11th operational hotel in the state and continues its focus on providing quality stays in emerging travel destinations.The newly launched managed hotel features 54 well-appointed rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant – Keys Café, a fitness centre, and spacious banquet and conference facilities, catering to both leisure and business travellers.Located in southern Rajasthan, Banswara is known as the “City of Hundred Islands” for t..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?