NHAI Unveils ₹2,553.84 Crore Tender for NH-53 Expansion

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a significant tender valued at ₹2,553.84 crore to expand a 42-kilometer segment of National Highway 53 (NH-53) between Nagpur and Bhandara. This initiative aims to enhance the highway's capacity by widening it to six lanes, thereby improving traffic flow and connectivity in the region.

This project addresses a critical gap in the highway's infrastructure, as previous expansions have already been completed for the Bhandara bypass and a section near Mauda. NHAI official Abhijit Jichkar confirmed that the increasing volume of vehicular traffic on this route has made the widening necessary. He noted that land acquisition has been finalized, and construction will commence promptly following the awarding of the tender.

The planned upgrades will feature essential infrastructure improvements, including the addition of flyovers, underpasses, service roads, and a modern drainage system. Existing bridges along the highway will also be either widened or reconstructed as needed. The design aims to separate local traffic from long-distance vehicles, with flyovers and underpasses intended to reduce delays at busy intersections.

This stretch of NH-53 serves as a vital transport corridor linking Nagpur with Bhandara and extending further into Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The six-laning of this highway is anticipated to significantly boost its carrying capacity, alleviating congestion and enhancing overall traffic efficiency along this crucial route.

The estimated duration for the construction of this project is around 30 months. However, the actual timeline for completion will depend on the tender award process and the subsequent initiation of construction activities.