12-07-2025
Valsad collector orders urgent repairs on NH48
Surat: After nearly two weeks of public outrage, traffic snarls, and accidents, Valsad district collector Bhavya Varma has warned of strict legal action against the agencies and contractors responsible for maintaining various stretches of National Highway will be booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and disobedience of public orders.
The directive comes in the wake of numerous complaints from commuters and local residents about massive potholes that have turned the busy arterial road into a hazard zone—leading to prolonged traffic jams, frequent vehicle breakdowns, injuries, and even fatalities. Widespread public protests erupted at several locations across Valsad district, prompting the administration to take swift and decisive action.
This highway serves as a vital arterial route, connecting northern India and Gujarat to the country's financial capital, Mumbai.
On Friday, he issued a public notification under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The notification instructed the agency responsible for the highway's maintenance to complete all repair work within 10 days. The responsibility for ensuring execution has been placed on the project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Surat.
If the deadline is not met, police sub-inspectors and higher-ranking officers have been authorised to file FIRs and initiate criminal proceedings against those found negligent.
The collector's notification highlighted the alarming condition of NH48, which runs through Valsad district and has become a serious concern for citizens. "Despite repeated phone calls and messages to NHAI officials, there has been no improvement.
The deteriorating condition continues to pose a threat to public safety," it stated.
The order also referenced a letter from the NHAI project director, outlining the contractors assigned to carry out the repairs. "It is the responsibility of the contractor to execute the work, and NHAI must ensure its completion. The lack of progress has compelled the district administration to adopt stringent measures," the collector added.
BOX
Police issue advisory for traffic going towards Surat
Surat rural police have issued a traffic advisory for commuters travelling from Bharuch to Surat on National Highway 48. Traffic movement on the bridge over the Tapi river, in the Bharuch-to-Surat direction, has been completely heading toward Navsari and Mumbai have been diverted from Kim onto the Expressway and can exit at Ena to rejoin NH48 at Palsana. Commuters heading into Surat city can take a right turn from Kim or continue up to Raj Hotel on NH48 and then turn right towards the vehicles are being allowed to proceed beyond Raj Hotel in the Surat-bound direction.
