Bilaspur : Division Bench seeks affidavit on immediate road repairs ahead of the festival season; PWD and NHAI directed to clarify bypass handover and Bilaspur-Raipur highway project timelines.
The Chhattisgarh High Court has sought an explanation from the state government and the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation over the lack of substantial progress in road maintenance, directing the civic body to detail immediate repair measures ahead of the festival season.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Krushna Ram Mohapatra and Justice Santosh Sharma, while hearing a batch of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) on October 7, 2026, expressed concern that despite the petitions being pending since 2021, little progress had been made, particularly in areas falling within the jurisdiction of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation.
The Court directed the Municipal Commissioner to submit an affidavit specifying the immediate steps taken to repair damaged roads. The Commissioner was also directed to appear before the Court, either personally or through an authorised representative, on October 14, 2026. The Bench warned that coercive action could be initiated in the event of non-compliance.
Senior Advocate Rajeev Shrivastava, appointed as amicus curiae, informed the Court that several roads under the Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction were in an unmotorable condition, raising serious concerns about public safety and inconvenience to commuters during the upcoming festival season.
Court Questions Delay in Sendri-Mopka Bypass Handover
The Bench also expressed surprise over the delay in transferring the Sendri-Mopka bypass to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
According to an affidavit submitted by the NHAI Project Director, the Mopka-Sendri road section continues to remain under the Chhattisgarh Public Works Department (PWD), which is still responsible for its operation and maintenance.
Observing that the state government appeared to be proceeding slowly with the handover, the Court directed government counsel Rahul Tamaskar to obtain instructions from the authorities concerned and ensure that an affidavit from the PWD Secretary is filed before the Court.
NHAI Asked to Clarify Bilaspur-Raipur Project Timeline
The High Court further directed NHAI officials from Raipur and Bilaspur to submit affidavits specifying the expected timeline for completion of the Bilaspur-Raipur road project.
The directions underscore the Court’s concern over prolonged delays in road maintenance and infrastructure development, particularly where deteriorating road conditions affect public safety and everyday mobility.
The matter is scheduled for further consideration on October 14, 2026, when the Court is expected to examine the compliance affidavits and the steps proposed by the concerned authorities.
