Upcoming Six-Lane Bypass Near Bhandara to Enhance NH-53 Connectivity and Protect Wildlife

Nagpur: Travellers on National Highway-53 (NH-53) from Nagpur towards Raipur can soon expect a smoother journey with the construction of a six-lane bypass near Bhandara. Set to be completed by the end of March, the bypass will cover nearly 15km, eliminating the need to drive through Bhandara town and reducing congestion that currently slows traffic.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prioritised a six-lane design due to the heavy traffic volume on this stretch of the highway. The new bypass will extend into the existing four-lane road that continues towards Raipur, streamlining traffic flow.
A key feature of the bypass is its consideration for local wildlife. The bypass will include animal underpasses, allowing safe passage for animals, including tigers, in line with environmental regulations. A tiger corridor has been identified along the bypass, prompting the NHAI to seek approval from the Ministry of Forests for the inclusion of these underpasses. The recommendation came in July, and the underpasses were incorporated into the final design after this approval.
A major bridge over the Wainganga River is also nearing completion, with the animal underpasses set to be finished alongside it. These underpasses, originally not part of the design, were added following directions from the Ministry of Forests to ensure the safe movement of wildlife in the region.
Currently, drivers on NH-53 entering Bhandara town face delays due to the congested stretch before rejoining the highway at a toll plaza. The six-lane bypass is expected to alleviate this issue and improve travel times. NHAI is also working on similar animal underpasses near Deori, located on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, to further enhance connectivity and safety.
Tiger corridors are routes used by big cats for long-distance travel, and several intersect highways in the region. Animal underpasses, which are elevated highways that allow wildlife to cross beneath, are becoming increasingly common in areas with such corridors to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions.