Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to file a detailed affidavit on the condition, maintenance, and toll collection of key stretches of National Highway-8 (now known as NH-48), while hearing public interest litigations alleging poor upkeep despite heavy toll revenue.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D.N. Ray passed the order while hearing PILs related to the Ankleshwar–Bharuch, Bharuch–Surat, and Surat–Dahisar stretches of NH-8, which pass through one of Gujarat’s busiest industrial corridors. The petitions claim that these road sections have remained in poor condition for years even though toll is being regularly collected.

The court has asked NHAI to place on record details of repair and construction works carried out over the last three years, the amount spent on operation and maintenance, and the toll collected during the same period.

PIL alleges poor maintenance despite heavy toll collection

As per a news report, the PIL alleges that the highway stretches passing through the industrial belt face constant congestion due to heavy commercial traffic and lack of proper maintenance.

During the hearing, the petitioners submitted that “the road conditions have been pitiable for a long time,” the report said.

NHAI cites encroachments, roadside parking as hurdles

Counsel appearing for NHAI told the court that several external factors were responsible for the situation. The authority submitted that illegal parking, roadside eateries, and encroachments along the highway were creating major difficulties in proper management of the road.

Court seeks affidavit before further hearing

Taking note of the rival submissions, the High Court reportedly directed NHAI to file an affidavit giving complete details of repairs, maintenance expenditure, and toll collection for the last three years before the next hearing.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 10, 2026, when the court will examine the affidavit and decide the next course of action. DeshGujarat