The NH-53 six-laning project has moved forward, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) floating a tender worth ₹2,553.84 crore to widen the remaining 42 km stretch between Nagpur and Bhandara.
The proposed upgrade will complete a major gap in the highway’s six-lane connectivity. The Bhandara bypass and a section near Mauda have already been widened.
NHAI official Abhijit Jichkar told The Times of India that rising vehicular traffic on the highway had necessitated the project. He said land acquisition had been completed and groundwork would begin after the tender is awarded.
The project has an estimated construction period of 30 months. Its actual completion timeline will depend on the contract award and the commencement of construction.
NH-53 six-laning project to include flyovers and service roads
The planned upgrade will include flyovers, underpasses, service roads and a modern drainage system. Existing bridges along the route will also be widened or reconstructed wherever necessary.
Service roads will help separate local traffic from long-distance vehicles. Flyovers and underpasses are expected to reduce interruptions at busy intersections and improve traffic movement along the corridor.
The drainage improvements are also part of the proposed infrastructure upgrade. Together, these measures aim to improve traffic flow and support the highway’s increased capacity.
With land acquisition already completed, the next major milestone is the award of the construction contract. Work is expected to begin once the tender process is completed.
NH-53 upgrade to strengthen regional connectivity
The Nagpur-Bhandara stretch is an important transport corridor connecting Nagpur with eastern Maharashtra and neighbouring regions. The highway also provides connectivity towards Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal.
The six-laning project is expected to increase the route’s carrying capacity as vehicular traffic continues to rise. The additional infrastructure is also intended to ease bottlenecks and reduce disruptions along the corridor.
The project will complement the sections already widened near Mauda and around the Bhandara bypass. Once completed, the upgrade is expected to improve continuity along this part of NH-53.
The 30-month construction estimate provides the proposed project duration, although the final timeline will depend on when the contract is awarded and construction begins.
