Category Archives: transport

Maharashtra Govt Approves Rs 2,528 Crore Nashik-Vadhavan Expressway Project

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The state government has granted in-principle approval for the ambitious Nashik (Igatpuri)–Vadhavan Expressway and Freight Corridor Highway project, which will connect Nashik district to Vadhavan Port in Palghar. This major infrastructure initiative is set to boost connectivity and economic growth in the region.

The project, to be implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), includes a 104.90 km freight corridor between Vadhavan Port (Tawa) and the Bharveer interchange on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. At its meeting on August 5, 2025, the cabinet approved administrative sanctions worth Rs 2,528.90 crore. This amount covers estimated land acquisition costs of Rs 1,500 crore and potential interest of Rs 1,028.90 crore.

To support the financing of the project, the state government has also decided to provide a guarantee for the loan to be raised from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO).

### Bhujbal’s Push for Integrated Planning

State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal had earlier advocated for coordinated implementation of the Nashik (Igatpuri)–Vadhavan Expressway and the proposed Nashik–Vadhavan Railway Line. In letters sent to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on March 24, 2025, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on April 6, 2025, Bhujbal emphasized that joint planning would save costs and maximize the overall benefits from both infrastructure projects.

Responding to his appeal, the government cleared the freight corridor and assured its full support for timely execution of the project.

### Boost to Maharashtra’s Economy

Officials noted that this decision will significantly ease the movement of industrial and agricultural products from Nashik, Marathwada, Vidarbha, and adjoining regions to international markets. Vadhavan Port, envisioned as one of India’s deepest and most modern terminals, will offer direct connectivity to international trade routes such as IMEEC and INSTC.

This expressway and freight corridor are expected to provide a cost-effective gateway for exports, enhancing Maharashtra’s position in global trade.

### Leadership’s Response

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Minister Bhujbal, welcomed the government’s decision. They described it as a historic milestone for Maharashtra’s economic development and infrastructure expansion.

Minister Bhujbal also assured that he will continue to closely monitor the project’s progress to ensure its timely completion and successful implementation.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/maharashtra-govt-approves-rs-2528-crore-nashik-vadhavan-expressway-project

Challans there but no public toilets? Court pulls up NHAI

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**Challans There but No Public Toilets? Court Pulls Up NHAI**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 18, 2025, 06:11 PM*

The Kerala High Court has expressed strong criticism of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for failing to provide and maintain public toilet facilities along national highways.

### Public Inconvenience Highlighted

The remarks came during a hearing of an appeal from Kerala’s petroleum dealers association. The appeal challenged a single judge’s earlier order mandating petrol pumps on national highways to keep their washrooms open to the public at all times.

Justice Amit Rawal, one of the judges on the Division Bench, recounted his recent journey from Jodhpur to Ranthambore. He highlighted the absence of public toilets on that long highway stretch. “Recently, when I was traveling from Jodhpur to Ranthambore, we could not find a single public toilet on the NH. It is such a long stretch. We oversped and got four challans. So challans are there but no public toilet,” he remarked, emphasizing the inconvenience faced by travelers.

### International Comparison

Justice Rawal also compared the situation in India with that in other countries. He noted, “Basically, this is the duty of the NHAI. Frankly speaking, if you go any foreign country, after you cover a certain distance you will always find a convenience stop. [In India] Whatever National Highways toilets are there, they are not working. Nobody is there. Ultimately the entire brunt has fallen on them (petrol pump owners). This is very, very bad.”

### Modification of the Earlier Order

The Division Bench, comprising Justices Amit Rawal and PV Balakrishnan, modified the earlier directive. The revised order states that petrol pumps not located directly on national highways may decide at their discretion whether to allow public use of their toilet facilities. However, these toilets must remain accessible to customers and transit travelers.

For petrol pumps situated along national highways, the court stipulated that washrooms should be available to customers, transit travelers, and staff only during working hours.

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The order underscores the pressing need for improved sanitation amenities on national highways, placing greater responsibility on the NHAI to ensure public convenience alongside law enforcement.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/we-get-challans-but-no-public-toilets-court-to-nhai/story