Nagpur: Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Tuesday sharply questioned PWD’s National Highways division over cracks in the newly built cement road on Brahmapuri–Armori National Highway, asking why authorities appear to act only after judicial intervention.A division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Raj Wakode observed, “Does the administration wake up only after court takes cognisance? New roads deteriorate within six months and even bridges collapse. Why is there no regular inspection of roads after they are constructed?”Court was hearing Janmanch’s PIL filed through counsel — Advocates Parvez Mirza and Mrinall Chakravorty — where it had taken suo motu cognisance of cracks on Brahmapuri–Armori highway and had sought details of measures taken to repair the damaged stretch.The court had earlier expressed displeasure over photographs submitted by authorities. On Tuesday, the PWD executive engineer filed a fresh affidavit detailing progress of the work, but the bench remained dissatisfied with the response.The department told court that permanent maintenance of the 21-km highway stretch would begin on Sept 15 and be completed within two months. The bench directed authorities to submit a progress report every 15 days until the work is completed.The hearing also covered wider infra concerns in Nagpur. Janmanch proposed setting up an expert committee under court’s supervision to examine deficiencies in civic infrastructure and address recurring waterlogging. NMC was directed to respond to the proposal by Aug 24.Court also directed authorities to urgently reinstall speed breakers removed on Nagpur University campus–Ambazari road.Separately, the state was directed to submit monthly progress reports on reconstruction of forest guard quarters in Indora area.#Key takeaways:HC criticised PWD’s National Highways division over cracks in Brahmapuri–Armori cement road.Questioned why newly constructed roads deteriorate within monthsAsks why post-construction inspections are not conducted regularly.Permanent maintenance of the 21-km highway stretch will begin Sept 15 and be completed within two months.Authorities must submit progress reports every 15 days.NMC must respond by Aug 24 to Janmanch’s proposal for an expert infrastructure committee.The court ordered speed breakers to be restored on Nagpur University–Ambazari road.The state must submit monthly reports on Indora forest quarters.
