The long-delayed project to widen the Nagpur-Bhandara road into a six-lane highway is set to begin in the next three to four months, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on 05 July, 2025.

The delay was primarily due to complications with a build-operate-transfer (BOT) operator, whose contract has now been terminated. "The detailed project report (DPR) is ready, and as land acquisition requirements are minimal, the work should begin soon," he stated. The Minister was in Bhandara to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for multiple infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,053 crore under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD).

Additionally, he inaugurated the 14.8-km six-lane Bhandara Bypass—part of NH-53, constructed at a cost of Rs 735 crore. The bypass includes three major bridges (one over the Wainganga River) and two animal underpasses, which are expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance local and regional connectivity.