The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench has criticised the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for not completing the necessary amenities along the Samruddhi Expressway. Despite being open for over a year, the expressway lacks essential facilities like parking and restrooms. The court expressed disapproval of the delay.
Justices Vrushali Joshi and Nitin Sambre considered the affidavit submitted by MSRDC. They found the documentation inadequate and demanded a full explanation of the delay tendering process. The court warned that it might launch an investigation into the roles of MSRDC’s managing director and vice-chairman.
The issue was brought to the court’s attention through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social worker Anil Wadpalliwar. The petition talked about the absence of necessary facilities. It also raised concerns about safety. Since its inauguration in December 2022, the 701-kilometer expressway has witnessed 39 fatal accidents, leading to 88 deaths.
MSRDC defended itself by saying that the first round of bidding took place in October 2024. Additional bidding was conducted in December 2024 and January 2025, finalizing 11 bidders for 16 locations. The corporation assured that work orders would be issued soon.
Furthermore, temporary amenities will be set up within three months using porta cabins. The corporation also stated that the permanent facilities, including parking lots, restrooms, food courts, auto repair shops, and waste management systems, will be completed within 24 months.
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