Nagpur-Bhandara six-lane road project is set to begin soon

The anticipated launch of the Nagpur–Bhandara highway expansion project promises increased safety and connectivity along this vital national route.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently declared that the long-awaited six-lane widening project on the Nagpur-Bhandara route will commence within the next three to four months. The project had been delayed due to concerns with the previous BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) operator, whose contract has subsequently been terminated. The detailed project report (DPR) is now complete, and with little land acquisition required, the groundwork has been established for a smooth start. Gadkari emphasised the importance of this renovation, noting worrisome statistics—more than 54 fatalities and 225 injuries have happened on the present length due to extended project inaction.

Gadkari also launched a ₹735 crore bypass on NH-53, measuring 14.8 kilometres in length and six lanes. The bypass consists of three major bridges, one of which spans the Wainganga River, and two animal underpasses near the Bhilewada settlement. This infrastructure is intended to considerably reduce congestion in the city while also improving local and regional connectivity.

The announcement comes as the region’s infrastructure plans are finally finding traction. For for than two decades, the nearby Old Bhandara Road in Nagpur has been waiting to be widened. Earlier this year, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation submitted 4,448 notices of land acquisition to expedite this long-awaited project. In February 2025, the state approved ₹339 crore for the project, including ₹237 crore from the Maharashtra government and ₹100 crore from the Centre. Demolition and compensation efforts have begun in stages, although some legal and administrative challenges remain.

In previous years, the Bombay High Court issued a 2017 directive requiring the completion of the Old Bhandara Road widening within three months, but no significant progress occurred. Recently, officials informed the court that no forced displacement will take place, demonstrating a more community-sensitive approach. As regional authorities fight for better roads as part of a larger mobility enhancement strategy, these developments mark a significant shift towards long-overdue upgrades to the region’s road infrastructure.