Nagpur-Bhandara Road Expansion Back On Track: Gadkari Says Six-Lane Highway Work To Begin In Next 3-4 Months

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that work on the long-delayed widening of the Nagpur-Bhandara road into a six-lane highway will likely commence within the next three to four months, reported Times of India.

Speaking at an event in Maharashtra's Bhandara on Saturday (5 July), Gadkari said the road had witnessed 54 fatalities and over 225 injuries due to delays in improvement work.

The project had been stalled due to complications with the previous build-operate-transfer (BOT) operator, whose contract has now been terminated.

He added, “The detailed project report (DPR) is ready, and as land acquisition requirements are minimal, the work should begin soon.”

The minister was in Bhandara to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several road infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,053 crore under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state Public Works Department (PWD).

A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the 14.8 km six-lane Bhandara Bypass, part of National Highway 53, constructed at a cost of Rs 735 crore.

The bypass features three significant bridges, including one spanning the Wainganga River, and two animal underpasses at Bhilewada.

Officials noted that the bypass would ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity for both local commuters and long-distance travellers.

Recalling his student days, Gadkari shared that the earlier bridge over Wainganga would routinely submerge, disrupting travel.

"After becoming a minister, I ensured construction of a new bridge, which is now part of the upgraded bypass.” he said.

He also highlighted Bhandara’s potential as a hub for tourism, agriculture, and industry, citing natural assets like the Nagzira forests and Navegaon Dam.

Gadkari revealed that a Rs 20 crore watercraft is being procured from Russia to establish water transport from Bhandara to Ambhora via the Wainganga River, aiming to boost regional connectivity and economic activity.

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