Court orders NHAI to submit detailed affidavit on repairs and toll collection amidst congestion and poor road conditions.
In a significant move, the Gujarat High Court has issued directives to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to provide a comprehensive affidavit detailing their maintenance activities and financial transactions related to the National Highway No. 8. This directive comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mineshkumar Parmar, highlighting severe mismanagement and deteriorating conditions on key sections of the highway, notably between Ankleshwar-Bharuch, Bharuch-Surat, and Surat-Dahisar.
The PIL, supported by senior advocate Ms. Megha Jani, pointed out consistent congestion and poor road conditions along these stretches, which are crucial due to their high commercial vehicle traffic from nearby manufacturing industries. The petitioner accused NHAI of dereliction of duty despite collecting substantial tolls from these segments.
In defense, Mr. Maulik G. Nanavati, representing NHAI, cited challenges such as lack of cooperation from local authorities and roadside encroachments, including unauthorized parking and the proliferation of roadside eateries (dhabas).
The court, presided over by Mrs. Sunita Agarwal, C.J., and D.N. Ray, J., emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. It ordered NHAI to submit an affidavit detailing the construction or repair works conducted over the last three years, the intervals and manner of these activities, and the financial outlays relative to toll revenues collected. This affidavit must be filed before the next hearing scheduled for April 10, 2026, and shared with the petitioner's legal team in advance.
This directive underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring proper management and accountability in public infrastructure projects, especially those funded by taxpayer money and toll collections. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar grievances across the country, holding public authorities to higher standards of service and transparency.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation highlighting mismanagement and poor maintenance of sections of National Highway No. 8 resulting in congestion and deterioration of road conditions. Court directs NHAI to file an affidavit detailing construction and repair works conducted, amounts spent, and toll collected over the last three years.
Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation, National Highway Authority of India Act.
