A critical 150-metre unfinished section on the otherwise smooth Samruddhi Expressway near Nagpur is turning a daily commute into a perilous journey for countless motorists. The incomplete patch, located on the Hingna wing, has become a major safety hazard due to a cluster of deep craters and a significant height difference from the completed road.
Daily Commute Transformed into a Hazardous Ordeal
The affected stretch presents a jarring and dangerous transition. Drivers suddenly move from a seamless concrete surface to a broken, uneven patch riddled with deep potholes. Some of these craters measure nearly 2 to 3 feet in depth, posing a severe threat to all vehicles. The abrupt change in road level has led to repeated damage to the underbodies of cars, while two-wheeler riders and small car drivers are forced to brake hard or swerve dangerously to avoid the gaps.
The situation becomes exponentially worse after sunset. Poor visibility, combined with dust and a lack of adequate warning signs, makes it impossible for drivers to accurately judge the depth of the craters. Several commuters reported that during rains, when the potholes fill with water, tyres of two-wheelers get almost half submerged.
Land Dispute and Human Rights Plea Behind the Delay
While frustrated daily commuters blame administrative apathy for the prolonged incompletion, officials point to a complex land ownership issue. Executive Engineer Sanjeev Jagtap from the National Highway division of the Public Works Department (PWD) explained that the land in question falls at the border of Khadka and Sukali villages.
The delay stems from a dispute with a farmer whose land was acquired for both the Samruddhi circle and the road. The farmer has approached the State Human Rights Commission and is seeking proper demarcation of his acquired land. He has demanded a physical copy of the 7/12 land record extract that clearly details which portion was taken and for which project.
"This resulted in the issue involving the land records department, MSRDC, the National Highway PWD, and the landowner," Jagtap stated, highlighting the multi-party deadlock stalling the repair work.
Motorists Voice Frustration and Fear
For regular users like Nagpur resident Ashish Kaswa, the patch is a source of daily anxiety. "Every day we risk our lives while passing through this patch. One wrong move and it can lead to a serious accident. We are forced to suffer because of the administrative apathy," he told reporters. This sentiment is echoed by many who use the expressway, expecting a high-speed corridor but instead facing a dangerous obstacle course.
The unresolved issue underscores the challenges in infrastructure development where last-mile completion can be hindered by legal and administrative hurdles, directly impacting public safety on what is otherwise a flagship expressway project for the region.
