High Court to Review Six Agencies Over Nagpur's Road Issues
A petition seeks to hold six agencies accountable for Nagpur's deteriorating road conditions amid ongoing public interest litigation.
A petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court to include six agencies in road maintenance accountability.
Nagpur's road network is managed by multiple agencies, leading to fragmented responsibility.
The petitioner argues for a single agency to oversee road maintenance to improve accountability and safety.
In a significant legal development, the Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench is set to address the deteriorating condition of roads in Nagpur, as a petitioner has requested the inclusion of six additional infrastructure agencies in an ongoing public interest litigation (PIL). The petitioner, Asha Bhagat, argues that the responsibility for maintaining the city's roads cannot rest solely with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), given the fragmented nature of road management across various authorities.
Nagpur's road infrastructure is overseen by multiple entities, including the NMC, which manages over 4,000 kilometers of roads, alongside the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), the state Public Works Department (PWD), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and Maha Metro. This division of responsibilities has led to a lack of accountability, with many roads falling into disrepair, causing significant inconvenience for commuters.
Experts have pointed out that while the NMC is tasked with maintaining the roads under its jurisdiction, other agencies have not adequately fulfilled their maintenance duties. This has resulted in numerous potholes and unsafe road conditions, prompting calls for a more streamlined approach to road management. The petitioner contends that consolidating responsibility under a single agency would eliminate confusion regarding jurisdiction and improve overall maintenance standards.
The amendment application, submitted on September 24, 2026, seeks to add the six agencies — OCW, NMRDA, NHAI, PWD, MSRDC, and Maha Metro — as respondents in the PIL. This move follows a response from the NMC, which highlighted the shared jurisdiction over roads and footpaths in Nagpur. The petitioner emphasizes that all relevant authorities must be included in the proceedings to ensure proper accountability for public infrastructure.
Originally, the PIL was filed to seek compensation for victims of accidents attributed to poor road conditions and improperly maintained manholes within NMC limits. The amendment aims to provide the court with a comprehensive view of the responsibilities of all involved agencies. The court's decision on this application is currently pending, with significant implications for road safety and maintenance in Nagpur.