Why service roads under flyovers in disrepair? HC

Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court criticised multiple agencies responsible for constructing flyovers over the poor condition of service lanes beneath these structures. The division bench, comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Abhay Mantri, demanded answers on why roads under flyovers across the city remain in disrepair.
The agencies cited heavy rains as a primary factor for the damage, but the court responded by asking whether agreements with flyover contractors included provisions for the upkeep of these roads.The bench directed the agencies to provide a detailed response within two days and deferred further hearing until September 20.

The court was addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 22/2019) filed by lawyer Arun Patil, through senior counsel Firdos Mirza, highlighting that condition of highways and service roads in Vidarbha region is worsening.
During the hearing, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informed the court that the Wadi flyover has been opened to the public on September 16, with the official inauguration slated for a later date.
The PIL also brought attention to the broader issues plaguing service roads, including encroachments, narrow lanes, and improper parking, all of which disrupt traffic flow. The court expanded the PIL’s scope to include service roads across Nagpur and highways leading to Amravati, Bhandara, and Umred.
Previously, the HC had instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to address severe congestion and obstructions between Bhole Petrol Pump and Wadi Junction, which had been causing significant public inconvenience. The PWD informed the court that the Wadi flyover was completed on schedule and that construction of the RTO to University Campus flyover is set to be finished by March 2025.