Raipur–Bilaspur Highway: Construction of Underpasses and Service Lanes at Black Spots, Efforts to Make the Highway Free of Stray Cattle

Record Plantation Makes the Journey Pleasant

Several Works Being Carried Out by NHAI for Safe and Uninterrupted Travel

Raipur, December 2025 : The national highway connecting the state capital Raipur with the judicial capital Bilaspur is one of the most important and busiest highways in the state. This highway serves as a major backbone for the state’s commercial, industrial, and socio-economic activities. Keeping in mind the convenience, ease, and safety of travelers, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is undertaking regular and planned maintenance works.

Over the past few years, NHAI has continuously carried out maintenance and improvement works on the Raipur–Bilaspur Highway. Despite heavy traffic, regular patchwork, drainage cleaning, and road marking are undertaken to maintain road quality. These measures help keep the road surface in good condition and ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for commuters. From time to time, NHAI also conducts technical surveys of the roads through its own consultant inspection teams. Based on the recommendations of these teams, necessary maintenance works are carried out.

In the year 2024–25, the consultant team recommended panel replacement at 2,136 locations, which was completed on time. In the current financial year 2025–26, panel replacement has already been carried out at 3,616 locations, covering approximately 1,520 panels. Replacement work for the remaining panels is also in progress. To further strengthen road maintenance, a new tender has been issued under ‘risk and cost’ conditions.

Efforts to Make the Highway Free of Stray Cattle

Giving top priority to the safety of travelers on the Raipur–Bilaspur Highway, works are being carried out in accordance with the directives of the Honourable Supreme Court. To prevent road accidents caused by stray cattle, 20 locations have been identified where improvement works are underway. Crash barriers have been installed at identified points to prevent the entry of cattle onto the highway. In addition, solar lighting, solar blinkers, transverse bar markings, and warning signboards are being installed along the highway. NHAI is continuously working to make accident-prone areas safer.

Construction of Underpasses and Service Lanes at Black Spots

A total of 11 black spots (areas highly prone to accidents) have been identified on the Raipur–Bilaspur National Highway. To ensure safe traffic movement and uninterrupted travel, construction of underpasses and service roads is being carried out at these locations.

Record Plantation Enhances the Travel Experience

Special emphasis is being laid on developing the Raipur–Bilaspur Highway as a ‘Green Corridor’. So far this year, 19,286 saplings have been planted along the highway. Under median plantation, flowering plants such as Tecoma, Bougainvillea, and Gulmohar have been planted, enhancing the visual appeal of the highway. Along the roadside, shade-giving trees like Neem, Kachnar, Amaltas, Peepal, and Banyan have been planted, contributing to environmental sustainability and traveler comfort.

Health Camps at Toll Plazas

Keeping the health of road users in mind, NHAI also organizes people-centric activities from time to time. Health camps are set up at toll plazas for drivers and passengers, where facilities such as free eye check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and general health consultations are provided.

Team Maverick.