Bilaspur : The Chhattisgarh High Court’s Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Krishna Ram Mahapatra and Justice Santosh Sharma, expressed strong displeasure with the functioning of the state government and the municipal corporation while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the poor condition of roads across the state.
The Bench observed that, according to the affidavits submitted regarding road conditions, the situation is extremely poor. Despite the PIL being initiated in 2021, no concrete improvement has been made so far in the state’s roads, particularly those within the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation area.
During the hearing, the government advocate, appearing for the state government, sought time to file an affidavit from the Secretary of the Public Works Department in this regard.
Municipal Commissioner Summoned, Warned
No advocate appeared on behalf of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation during the hearing. Taking note of this, the High Court directed the Municipal Commissioner to appear personally at the next hearing or arrange for a suitable representative on behalf of the corporation. A warning of legal action was also issued if this is not done.
Bilaspur-Raipur Road Project Timeline Must Be Disclosed
The High Court directed the NHAI to provide information on the time required to complete the Bilaspur-Raipur project. Project officials from Raipur and Bilaspur have been instructed to file affidavits in this regard.
Amicus Curiae: Not a Single Road Is Fit for Travel
During the hearing, amicus curiae and senior advocate Rajeev Shrivastava raised the issue of the dilapidated condition of roads in the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation area. He stated that at present, there is not a single road that can be described as properly fit for travel. He expressed apprehension about accidents and injuries to people if the roads are not repaired before the Puja festival, and demanded that the municipal corporation immediately make the roads fit for travel.
Next Hearing on 14 October; Municipal Commissioner to Submit Report
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing of the case for 14 October 2026. By then, the Municipal Commissioner must submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to repair roads within his jurisdiction. The High Court has specifically sought information on road improvement measures in view of the upcoming Puja festival.
Contractors Back Out After Increase in Asphalt Rates
The work on five roads of the municipal corporation has reached the asphalting stage. However, contractors have backed out citing an increase in asphalt rates. The association has demanded a revision of the estimate. This demand has been sent to the government. The estimate will be revised only on the basis of directions received from the government.
It may be noted that work on five major roads of the municipal corporation, totaling about 12 km in length, has reached the asphalting stage, but contractors have complicated the cost of all projects citing non-availability of asphalt and rising prices.
The current estimated cost of these roads is about Rs 50 crore. Contractors are demanding revision of the approved estimate, citing the increase in asphalt prices. Once the estimate is revised, the total cost of these roads is certain to increase further. These roads include Ashok Nagar Road, Science College to Sabzi Mandi Road, Apollo Road, Smriti Van-Shani Mandir Road, and Arpa Atal Path.
High Court Surprised by Government’s Stance on Sendri-Mopka Bypass
While hearing the PIL, the High Court also expressed surprise over the situation between the state government and the NHAI regarding the Sendri-Mopka bypass. The NHAI’s affidavit stated that the Mopka-Sendri road has not yet been handed over to the NHAI.
This road is currently under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department, and the responsibility for its operation and maintenance also lies with the state’s Public Works Department. Commenting on this situation, the High Court said it appears that the Chhattisgarh government is either not interested in completing the project or is not in the mood to hand it over to the NHAI.
