The proposed visit of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to Chhattisgarh has accelerated activity along the under-construction Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor. Officials have begun extensive maintenance and improvement work on the route as preparations gather pace for Gadkari’s likely inspection tour in the first week of July.

According to sources, the minister is expected to review the progress of the corridor, a major infrastructure project being developed under the Bharat Mala Pariyojana. While an aerial survey was initially considered, Gadkari has reportedly expressed a preference for travelling by road to assess the project firsthand.

If the schedule is finalized, the minister will travel from Raipur to Visakhapatnam by car, allowing him to directly evaluate road quality, construction progress, traffic safety measures, and project execution on the ground.

Preparations Gain Momentum

Following indications of the minister’s visit, officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have intensified efforts along the corridor. Repair work, road patching, cleaning operations, divider maintenance, and the installation and refurbishment of signboards are being carried out on a priority basis.

Authorities are also focusing on improving the overall appearance of the highway stretches expected to be inspected during the proposed journey. Officials believe the road-based inspection will provide a more realistic assessment of the corridor’s condition and progress compared to an aerial survey.

The Raipur–Visakhapatnam corridor is considered one of the most significant connectivity projects in central and eastern India, aimed at improving logistics efficiency and reducing travel time between Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

Project Nears Completion

The economic corridor, estimated to cost around ₹16,482 crore, was launched during the 2020-21 period under the Bharat Mala programme. The project experienced delays in its initial stages due to land acquisition challenges and environmental clearances.

However, construction has gained momentum in recent months. Officials estimate that nearly 80 percent of the work has already been completed.

Key infrastructure components, including tunnels and major viaduct sections, are currently in the final stages of construction. According to project authorities, the remaining work is expected to be completed by December this year.

A significant portion of the corridor passes through Chhattisgarh, making the state a critical beneficiary of the project’s economic and transportation advantages.

Strategic Importance

The Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor is designed to strengthen freight movement between central India and the eastern coast. Improved connectivity is expected to benefit industries, exporters, logistics operators, and local businesses by reducing transportation costs and travel time.

The project is also expected to boost regional development by improving access to industrial clusters, mining areas, and ports, thereby supporting economic growth across multiple states.

Official Confirmation Awaited

While preparations are underway, authorities have clarified that the minister’s final itinerary has not yet been officially confirmed.

According to Digvijay Singh, Regional Officer in charge of the project, the visit is proposed for the first week of July and may include a comprehensive review of the corridor's progress. Final dates and the detailed schedule are expected to be announced after official approval.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday made strong observations on the growing menace of stray dog attacks across the country and said that dangerous and rabies-infected stray dogs can be euthanised in accordance with the law. The court emphasized that the safety and lives of citizens are of utmost importance and said that the right to live with dignity also includes the right to live free from the fear of stray dog attacks.

A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria dismissed all petitions seeking withdrawal of the court’s November 2025 directions regarding stray dogs. The bench made it clear that public safety cannot be compromised and warned that officials failing to implement the directions could face contempt proceedings.

The Supreme Court reiterated its earlier directions to remove stray dogs from public places such as schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and highways. The court said the animals should be shifted to shelters or Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres and should not be released back onto the streets without proper procedures. It also upheld restrictions on feeding stray dogs on roads and public places.

During the hearing, the court referred to several incidents of dog attacks reported from different states. It noted that in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar alone, 1,084 dog bite cases were reported within a month, including several incidents involving small children suffering serious facial injuries. In Tamil Nadu, nearly two lakh dog bite cases were recorded in the first four months of the year. The court also cited an incident in Surat where a German tourist was attacked by a stray dog. The bench observed that such incidents are creating fear among citizens and weakening public trust in urban administration.

The apex court issued nine key directions to states and civic authorities. It directed all state governments to strictly implement the rules framed by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Every district must have at least one fully functional Animal Birth Control centre, while densely populated cities should establish additional centres based on requirement.

The court further stated that euthanasia may be carried out in cases involving rabies-infected or highly aggressive stray dogs where human life is at risk. It also directed authorities to ensure adequate availability of anti-rabies vaccines and medicines in hospitals and healthcare centres.

The Supreme Court also assigned responsibility to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address the issue of stray animals on highways. It directed NHAI to take necessary measures to remove stray animals from highways through coordinated efforts with local authorities and monitoring mechanisms.

The bench observed that municipal officials and civic authorities implementing court orders should receive legal protection and should not ordinarily face FIRs or punitive action while carrying out their duties. However, it warned that failure to comply with court directions would invite contempt proceedings.

The court also referred to its January 2026 hearing in the matter, during which it had remarked that its observations should not be taken lightly. At that time, the bench had stated that if a stray dog attack results in serious injury or death, responsibility could also be fixed on dog feeders along with municipal bodies. The court had observed that local administrations were clearly failing in handling the situation.

The matter first came before the Supreme Court in July 2025 when the court took suo motu cognisance of rising stray dog attacks and deaths across India. In August 2025, the court had ordered authorities in Delhi-NCR to capture all stray dogs and shift them to shelters within eight weeks. Following protests from animal rights groups, the court later modified the order and allowed non-aggressive and non-rabid dogs to be released back into their original areas after sterilisation and vaccination.

The deadlock between Bhopal Municipal Corporation and NHAI over sewage line work on Ayodhya Bypass ended after minister Krishna Gaur intervened during a high-level meeting. The ongoing dispute between the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over sewage pipeline work along the Ayodhya Bypass has finally been resolved following the intervention of Madhya Pradesh minister Krishna Gaur. The issue was linked to the city’s ambitious 16-kilometre-long 10-lane Ayodhya Bypass project and had stalled crucial sewage infrastructure work affecting more than five lakh residents.

A high-level meeting was held in Bhopal where minister Krishna Gaur called officials from both departments to discuss the matter and find a practical solution. During the meeting, officials from the Municipal Corporation and NHAI reportedly engaged in a heated argument, with neither side willing to accept responsibility for the delay or communication gap.

Sources present at the meeting said the discussion continued for nearly half an hour, during which the minister expressed strong displeasure over the lack of coordination between the two agencies. Questioning the ongoing conflict between departments, Krishna Gaur reportedly asked officials whether the issue was being treated “like an India-Pakistan border”. The minister emphasised that public infrastructure projects are meant for citizens and departments must work together instead of creating obstacles that ultimately inconvenience the public. She directed both agencies to coordinate effectively and ensure that development work proceeds without further delays.

The primary dispute revolved around permission for laying sewage pipelines beneath the service roads of the Ayodhya Bypass project. Initially, NHAI had cited highway regulations and insisted that the sewage pipeline should be laid outside the 33-metre restricted zone on both sides of the road corridor. The Municipal Corporation argued that such conditions would make the project technically difficult and financially expensive.

Following the minister’s intervention, NHAI softened its earlier position and agreed to provide four metres of space on both sides of the road for laying the sewage line. Officials said three possible technical alternatives have now been identified for executing the pipeline work without affecting the highway structure.

The resolution is being viewed as a major relief for Bhopal’s urban infrastructure planning because the sewage network is directly linked to the city’s largest under-construction sewage treatment plant (STP) at Bhanpur. The 60 MLD sewage treatment plant depends heavily on this pipeline network for operation and future wastewater management.

Officials said if the dispute had continued unresolved, newly constructed roads under the Ayodhya Bypass project would eventually have needed to be dug up again for sewage work, resulting in significant public inconvenience and financial losses worth crores of rupees. Authorities believe the latest agreement will help prevent duplication of work and ensure better utilisation of public funds.

The Municipal Corporation had earlier objected to the language used in an official letter issued by NHAI, particularly the phrase “strict compliance of instructions”. Civic officials reportedly argued that such wording was inappropriate for projects related to public welfare and inter-departmental cooperation. The issue also became part of the discussion during the ministerial meeting.

After the intervention, both agencies have now agreed to work jointly on execution and planning. Officials from both departments are expected to conduct technical coordination meetings to finalise the alignment and construction schedule for the sewage network.

Urban development experts noted that infrastructure disputes between civic bodies and highway authorities are common in rapidly expanding cities, especially where large road projects overlap with underground utility systems such as sewage, water supply, and drainage lines. They said timely coordination between agencies is essential to avoid delays, cost escalation, and repeated construction work.

The Ayodhya Bypass project is considered one of Bhopal’s major road infrastructure developments aimed at improving urban connectivity and reducing traffic pressure in rapidly growing residential zones. Alongside road expansion, civic infrastructure such as sewage management and drainage systems are also being upgraded to support future population growth.

Officials indicated that work on the sewage line could begin soon after technical approvals are completed. The project is expected to benefit residents in several colonies connected to the Bhanpur sewage treatment network and improve overall sanitation infrastructure in eastern parts of the city.

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India’s First Free Flow Toll System Goes Live on NH-48 Near Surat

India’s first multi-lane free flow toll system begins operations on NH-48, enabling barrier-free toll collection and faster vehicle movement without stopping.

Barrier-free tolling begins

In a first for the country, India’s multi-lane free flow toll system has gone live on a key stretch of National Highway-48 near Surat, marking a shift away from conventional toll plazas with physical barriers. The system has been activated at the Choryasi toll point on the busy Kamrej–Choryasi section, connecting Surat and Bharuch.

The rollout follows a trial phase that began on February 2, with officials indicating that the system is now fully operational after weeks of calibration and testing.

Tech-led highway upgrade

The new system is built on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology and has been deployed by the National Highways Authority of India as part of a broader push to modernise toll collection.

The initiative falls under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ larger plan to digitise highway infrastructure. According to officials, more than 1,000 toll plazas across India are expected to transition to similar AI-enabled, barrier-less systems over the next two years.

How vehicles are charged

Unlike traditional toll booths, there are no gates or stoppages. Vehicles continue moving at normal speeds while toll charges are automatically deducted.

The system relies on a mix of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag-based RFID technology. High-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries capture number plates, while sensors read FASTag data linked to bank accounts.

Once verified, the toll amount is deducted instantly. For vehicles without an active FASTag, the system identifies the number plate and generates an electronic notice to the registered owner.

‘No need to stop’

Officials say the key idea is simple: remove stoppages entirely. According to the NHAI, vehicles can pass through toll points at speeds of up to 80 km/h without slowing down.

“This barrier-less tolling does not require vehicles to stop. There are no barriers, and toll is deducted automatically as vehicles pass under the gantry,” a senior official familiar with the rollout said.

The move is expected to significantly reduce waiting time, particularly on high-traffic corridors like NH-48, where queues at toll plazas have long been a concern.

Impact on traffic flow

Early observations suggest smoother traffic movement along the stretch, especially during peak hours. Local commuters and transport operators have reported shorter travel times, though authorities say a detailed assessment will follow after a few weeks of full-scale operation.

Reduced idling at toll plazas is also expected to cut fuel consumption. Government estimates suggest that nationwide adoption of such systems could lead to savings of around ₹1,500 crore annually.

Tracking violations digitally

While barriers are gone, enforcement remains strict. Vehicles with insufficient FASTag balance or no FASTag are flagged automatically.

The Indian Highways Management Company Limited issues e-notices to defaulters, giving them a 72-hour window to clear dues. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including restrictions on vehicle-related services such as registration renewal or ownership transfer.

Officials say the digital tracking mechanism is designed to ensure compliance without disrupting traffic flow.

Nationwide rollout planned

The Surat installation is being seen as a pilot for a wider national rollout. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has earlier indicated that India aims to transition to a fully barrier-free tolling system by the end of 2026.

Authorities believe that apart from easing congestion, the system could improve revenue collection by minimising leakages and increasing compliance. Estimates suggest an additional ₹6,000 crore could be generated annually once the system is scaled up.

For now, all eyes are on the NH-48 stretch near Surat as the country’s first real-world test of barrier-less tolling begins to unfold.

No Cash Payments at Toll Plazas on National Highways from April 10

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notifies complete shift to FASTag and UPI at over 1,150 fee plazas; cash transactions will end from April 10, 2026.

Ministry Issues Notification  

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a gazette notification discontinuing cash payments at all toll plazas located on national highways. The new rule takes effect from April 10, 2026. Commuters will now be able to pay toll fees only through FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Digital Modes Mandatory  

Under the updated rules, vehicles plying on national highways must use either a valid FASTag or UPI at fee plazas. The move forms part of the government’s push towards fully digital toll collection across the country’s extensive highway network.

Aim to Cut Queues  

A senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official said the decision seeks to reduce long queues at toll gates and ensure smoother travel for daily commuters. Officials believe the cashless system will speed up passage and minimise delays that often stretch for kilometres during peak hours.

UPI Costs More Without FASTag  

The notification makes clear that vehicles entering a plaza without a functional FASTag can still pay via UPI, but at a higher rate. Users will have to pay 1.25 times the applicable toll fee. The exact provision states that if the owner or driver does not opt for the specified payment mode, the vehicle will be dealt with under existing rules.

FASTag Annual Pass Gets Costlier  

The change comes weeks after NHAI raised the price of the FASTag annual pass by 2.5 per cent. The pass now costs ₹3,075 instead of the earlier ₹3,000. The hike has already drawn attention from frequent highway users who rely on the annual pass for multiple trips.

Over 1,150 Toll Plazas Affected  

More than 1,150 fee plazas operate on various national highways and expressways across India. The uniform cashless policy will apply to every one of them, marking a nationwide shift in how tolls are collected on major roads.

Vehicle Prices Rise Adds Pressure  

The toll rule change coincides with a 2-3 per cent increase in prices of commercial and passenger vehicles that took effect from April 1. Buyers who booked vehicles earlier but received billing after March 31 must now pay the revised rates. This dual burden of higher vehicle costs and stricter toll payments has left many motorists concerned.

The transition is expected to bring short-term inconvenience for users who still prefer cash or lack digital payment options. Transport experts note that millions of vehicles use these highways daily, and the absence of cash counters may initially slow down those unprepared for the change. However, the government views the step as essential for modernising highway infrastructure and reducing leakages in toll collection.

This India news update aligns with broader government efforts to promote digital payments and improve efficiency on national highways. Frequent travellers have been advised to ensure their FASTag is active and linked to sufficient balance well before April 10. State transport departments are also expected to issue awareness drives in the coming days.

As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on seamless implementation. Officials have indicated that the cashless system will eventually make highway journeys faster and more predictable for millions of citizens. The no cash payments at toll plazas policy is now just two days away from becoming reality.

No Cash Payments at Toll Plazas From April 10 Across India

MoRTH mandates 100% digital tolling on National Highways; UPI payments for non-FASTag users to incur 1.25x surcharge.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has officially announced that cash payments at all toll plazas on National Highways will be discontinued starting April 10, 2026.

According to a recent gazette notification, the government has moved to enforce a strictly digital payment ecosystem. Commuters will now be required to use either FASTag or Unified Payment Interface (UPI) to clear their dues at the gates.

Digital transition mandated

The move marks the final phase of the government’s transition toward a cashless highway network. Sources indicated that the decision aims to eliminate human intervention and reduce congestion at tolling points.

While FASTag remains the primary mode of transaction, the new rules provide a secondary digital alternative. However, this convenience comes at a specific cost for those who have not yet switched to a functional tag.

UPI payments attract surcharge

The Ministry clarified that vehicles entering a fee plaza without a valid or functional FASTag can still opt for UPI. In such cases, the user will be charged 1.25 times the applicable fee for that vehicle category.

"If the user enters a fee plaza without a functional FASTag and opts for UPI, they shall pay 1.25 times the user fee," the notification stated. This serves as a deterrent against non-compliance with the FASTag mandate.

Stricter enforcement protocols

Failure to pay via FASTag or the premium UPI rate will lead to enforcement under Rule 14 of the National Highways Fee Rules. This could involve higher penalties or restricted access to the highway network.

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) noted that the 1.25x UPI charge is intended to prioritize FASTag. This ensures that the automated flow of traffic is not disrupted by manual digital processing.

Impact on daily commuters

There are currently over 1,150 fee plazas operational across various National Highways and Expressways in the country. This policy change will impact millions of daily commuters and logistics operators.

NHAI officials believe the move is essential for making highway travel smoother. Reducing the "wait-time per vehicle" is the core objective behind the latest India News Update regarding transport infrastructure.

Annual pass prices hiked

Parallel to the digital mandate, the NHAI has also revised the cost of FASTag annual passes. The prices have seen a 2.5% increase, moving from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075.

This adjustment coincides with the broader increase in vehicle ownership costs. From April 1, prices for commercial and passenger vehicles in India have risen by 2–3% due to updated regulatory standards.

Future of highway travel

The government’s push for a digital-only tolling system is expected to significantly cut fuel wastage and CO2 emissions. By removing the cash option, the ministry anticipates a 15–20% improvement in transit speeds at bottlenecks.

As the April 10 deadline approaches, the English News Portal India suggests that commuters ensure their FASTag accounts are active and adequately funded. This Public Interest Story highlights the urgent need for digital readiness among Indian motorists to avoid surcharges.

Centre Clears ₹758 Crore Betul-Baretha Ghat Tiger Corridor on NH-46

The 22 km long four-lane project aims to eliminate traffic bottlenecks at the accident-prone Baretha Ghat while ensuring a safe passage for tigers from the Satpura range.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has officially sanctioned the construction of a 22 km long 'Tiger Corridor' on National Highway-46, spanning the stretch between Betul and Baretha Ghat in Madhya Pradesh.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the approval for the ₹758 crore project, which seeks to upgrade the existing narrow and treacherous mountain pass into a modern four-lane facility. This Betul-Baretha Ghat Tiger Corridor is expected to resolve long-standing logistical hurdles on this vital North-South corridor.

Connectivity boost for NH-46

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) designed this project to address the rising traffic volume between Itarsi and Nagpur. As a critical link in India’s highway network, the current two-lane section at Baretha Ghat has struggled to accommodate heavy commercial vehicles, leading to frequent congestion.

Officials stated that the expansion will significantly reduce travel time for commuters. By upgrading this 22 km stretch, the ministry aims to streamline the movement of goods and passengers, strengthening the economic link between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Eliminating hazardous blind spots

For years, Baretha Ghat has been notorious for its sharp curves and steep gradients. These geographical challenges, combined with narrow carriage-ways, have made the stretch a "black spot" prone to fatal accidents and prolonged traffic jams.

The new four-lane design focuses on easing these sharp bends. Engineers have incorporated advanced safety features to ensure that heavy trailers and tankers can navigate the ghat section without risking collisions or brake failures, which are common in the current layout.

Protecting Satpura’s wildlife wealth

A primary objective of this Betul-Baretha Ghat Tiger Corridor is the preservation of biodiversity. The project area falls within the sensitive influence zone of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, a region known for the active movement of tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.

To prevent man-animal conflict, the corridor will feature specialized wildlife underpasses and overpasses. These structures are designed to allow animals to cross the highway without entering the traffic flow, adhering to the latest environmental mitigation standards set by the Wildlife Institute of India.

Economic impact on Betul

Local representatives and business communities in Betul have welcomed the announcement, citing it as a major milestone for regional development. The improved infrastructure is expected to boost local trade and provide better access to markets in Nagpur and Bhopal.

Furthermore, the project is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities during the construction phase. Improved road safety and reduced transit costs are likely to make the region more attractive for logistics firms and industrial units.

Strategic NHAI project execution

The NHAI has already completed the preliminary surveys and land assessment for the 22 km stretch. With the formal financial nod from the Union Minister, the bidding process for the construction contract is expected to commence shortly.

Sources indicated that the project will be executed using modern construction technology to minimize the ecological footprint. The use of reinforced earth walls and specialized drainage systems will ensure the longevity of the highway against the heavy monsoon rains typical of the Satpura region.

Balancing ecology and development

This project serves as a crucial case study in balancing infrastructure needs with environmental ethics. By investing in a dedicated tiger corridor, the government is signaling a shift toward "green infrastructure" that does not compromise on the safety of the country’s national animal.

Environmentalists have noted that while road expansion is necessary for India’s growth, the inclusion of wildlife-friendly features is non-negotiable in such sensitive belts. The success of this corridor will likely influence future highway designs across other forested regions in India.

Future outlook for commuters

Once completed, the Betul-Baretha Ghat Tiger Corridor will transform the driving experience on NH-46. Commuters can look forward to a seamless journey through the scenic Satpura landscape without the fear of ghat-related delays or wildlife accidents.

As per the latest news today, the ministry expects to set a strict timeline for completion to ensure that the benefits of this ₹758 crore investment reach the public at the earliest. This development remains a top priority in the current cycle of national and international news regarding India's green highway initiatives.

SEBI Greenlights NHAI's Highway InvIT: Earn Higher Returns Than Bank FDs by Investing in National Highways

In a landmark move for retail investors, market regulator SEBI has approved the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) ‘Highway Infrastructure Investment Trust’ (InvIT). This innovative scheme throws open the doors for everyday Indians to invest directly in the country’s national highway projects and share in the revenue generated from toll collections, potentially earning returns higher than traditional bank fixed deposits.

Gone are the days when such infrastructure projects were only accessible to large institutional or foreign investors. The primary goal of this NHAI InvIT is to democratize infrastructure investment, allowing retail investors to participate in the nation’s growth story while building a portfolio that offers regular income.

Why This Government-Backed InvIT is a Game-Changer

This isn't just another financial product. For the common investor, it presents a unique blend of security and potential yield.

Regular Passive Income: A significant portion of the toll collection earnings will be distributed to investors as dividends. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking steady cash flow, with analysts suggesting returns could outpace most bank FDs.

Built on Government Trust: As an NHAI-sponsored initiative, the InvIT carries the credibility and structural security of a major government body.

Long-Term Wealth Creation: It’s designed as a long-term investment instrument, allowing investors to benefit from India’s expanding highway network over time.

How the NHAI InvIT Works: Your Share of the Toll

Think of it as earning rental income from roads. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1.  You invest by buying units of the listed Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), similar to buying shares.

2.  The InvIT uses this pooled capital to acquire or manage operational national highways from NHAI.

3.  Revenue is generated from the toll tax collected from vehicles using these roads.

4.  After managing operational costs, a large share of the profit is distributed to unit holders (investors) as dividends.

Your Investment is in Expert Hands

To ensure robust management and security, NHAI has appointed ‘Rajmarg Infra Investment Managers Private Limited’ (RIIMPL) as the investment manager. This company is backed by a consortium of ten of India’s largest and most trusted financial institutions, including State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank. This consortium oversight means investor funds are under expert supervision.

How Can You Invest in the Highway InvIT?

The process is straightforward and familiar to anyone who invests in the stock market:

You will need an active Demat account.

Once the InvIT launches its Initial Public Offering (IPO), you can apply through your brokerage platform (like Zerodha, Groww, or Angel One).

After its stock exchange listing, you can also buy and sell InvIT units on the secondary market, just like equities.

The Bottom Line: Infrastructure Meets Your Portfolio

The SEBI approval of the NHAI InvIT marks a significant shift in how public infrastructure is financed and who can benefit from it. It aligns perfectly with current trends of retail investment participation and seeking alternative, income-generating assets beyond traditional options.

For investors, it’s a chance to contribute to nation-building while aiming for a financially rewarding journey on the very roads that connect India. As with any investment, reading the offer document carefully and assessing your risk profile is advised, but this initiative undoubtedly paves a new road for retail wealth creation.