NHAI Opens Bidding for Rs 2,554 Crore Nagpur Highway Expansion
The National Highways Authority of India has initiated a tender process for a significant highway upgrade in Nagpur, aiming to enhance traffic flow.
NHAI invites bids for widening a 42-km stretch of NH-53 from 4 to 6 lanes.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 2,553.84 crore and is part of the National Highways (Original Works) programme.
Bids must be submitted by 26 November, with evaluation and selection of a developer to follow.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially invited bids for an ambitious project to expand a 42-kilometer segment of NH-53 in Nagpur from four lanes to six. This tender, published on October 9, is estimated to cost approximately Rs 2,553.84 crore and aims to alleviate traffic congestion along this crucial route.
The stretch in question runs between kilometer markers 499.800 and 541.800, specifically covering the Nagpur-Wainganga section of the Nagpur-Bhandara route. Currently, this section accommodates four lanes, and the proposed upgrade is expected to enhance the capacity significantly, facilitating smoother transit for both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Companies interested in participating in the bidding process have until 11 am on November 26 to submit their proposals. NHAI plans to open the bids at 11:30 am the following day. The project will be executed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) toll model, where a private entity will construct the road, manage it, and collect tolls for a specified duration before transferring it back to NHAI.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to improve highway infrastructure in Maharashtra, which has been a focus for several months. In May 2026, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed various road projects in the state, including the six-laning of routes linked to Nagpur, with the intent to expedite planning and construction.
As the bidding window approaches its close, stakeholders are keenly awaiting the outcome. The successful bidder will be responsible for addressing the pressing need for improved traffic management on this vital corridor, which is expected to have significant implications for regional connectivity and economic activity.
