Chhattisgarh High Court Mandates Swift Road Construction and Maintenance
The Chhattisgarh High Court has issued a directive to the state government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), compelling them to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing road construction and maintenance projects across the state. This order came during the monitoring of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted the deteriorating condition of roads, with the court emphasizing the critical need for continuous oversight to protect commuter safety.
Court Hearing and Judicial Observations
On March 19, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal reviewed the PIL. The bench acknowledged that while some steps have been taken to resume construction activities, strict monitoring is absolutely essential to prevent further delays and ensure public welfare. The court has instructed the secretary of the Department of Public Works and relevant NHAI authorities to submit fresh affidavits detailing further progress, with the matter scheduled for another hearing on May 5, 2026.
State Government's Road Project Updates
In a personal affidavit filed on March 18, 2026, the deputy secretary of the Department of Public Works informed the court about several key developments. Notably, Rs 40.79 crore has been allocated for the strengthening and repair of the Pendridih Chowk to Nehru Chowk road in Bilaspur. Additionally, the state provided updates on other crucial stretches:
- Seepat to Baloda: Bids have been opened, and a private agency has been declared the lowest bidder. A work order will be issued following approval from the state committee.
- Mopka to Sendri Bypass Project: Sanctions are in place, and the tender process is expected to commence shortly.
Within Bilaspur Municipal limits, repairs on the Tarbahar Chowk to Shiv Talkies stretch have been completed. Other works, such as roads from Mangla Chowk to Deendayal Upadhyay Nagar and Ashok Nagar to Birkona, are being managed by the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation.
NHAI's Initiatives and Contract Awards
The NHAI submitted that work has resumed on a 2 km hindered stretch of NH-130 in Jurali village, Korba district. This delay, caused by land disputes, was resolved through arbitration in August 2025. Furthermore, the NHAI has awarded a Rs 22.48 crore contract for the rectification and strengthening of the 8.55 km Katghora to Gopalpur section of NH-149B.
The authority assured the court that all Project Implementation Units (PIUs) are actively taking measures to reduce accidents and safeguard commuters, underscoring their commitment to enhancing road safety across the state.
Emphasis on Commuter Safety and Infrastructure Development
The court's directive underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure to ensure commuter safety. With ongoing projects and new initiatives, both the state government and NHAI are tasked with accelerating efforts to address road conditions. This judicial intervention aims to foster accountability and prompt action, ultimately benefiting the public through better transportation networks.
