'Nitin Gadkari Lauds Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, But What About NH-56 in Gujarat?'

'On the day of my accident on NH-56, I saw two more accidents within hours. Imagine how many of them happen daily.'

On 29 August, Pravin Jha was involved in an accident on NH-56, resulting in a serious elbow injury.

(Image altered by The Quint/Kamran Aroop)

If you get into an accident because of potholes, who do you blame? Yourself, for not mastering the art of driving over craters after living in India all these years, or the government, for failing to provide proper road infrastructure even in the 21st century?

I feel it’s best to master the art of driving through potholes because there seems to be no timeline for when the condition of roads will actually improve. NH-56 is the best example, where the Garudeshwar-Rajpipla stretch in Gujarat’s Narmada district has been in dismal condition for a very long time.

Just the other day, I came across a video of our Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, proudly speaking about the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. He said he drove his car at 180 kmph and didn’t spill a drop of tea.

I want to challenge him: forget 160 or 180 kmph... try driving here at 60 kmph, and we will concede that whatever you are claiming about the national highways is correct.

'My Life-Threatening Accident'

On 29 August, while travelling from Kevadiya to Rajpipla on NH-56, near Nani Raval village, I met with an accident because of the massive potholes. My bike lost balance and fell.

I was rushed to the emergency ward at Rajpipla Civil Hospital. I had a serious elbow injury, and doctors put my hand in a plaster. It has already been more than 10 days, and they say I might need this plaster for a month.

The physical pain is one thing, but the mental trauma is another. I can’t sleep at night.

My family depends on me. I work as a hydropower plant operator. But now, the doctors have advised me bedrest for at least a month. This accident has hit me hard financially, too.

'Violation Of Our Fundamental Right'

This, to me, is a clear violation of Article 21 of our Constitution, the Right to Life. If the government cannot even protect our fundamental rights, then what is the use of such a government and the authorities? We pay road tax, toll tax, and multiple other taxes. Are we paying taxes for these kinds of roads?

On the day I met with the accident, I saw two more road accidents. So, there were two more accidents within 2-3 hours... now imagine the number of accidents that might be happening in a day.

What makes it worse is the hypocrisy. The road leading to the Statue of Unity, which sees VIP movement, is smooth and well-maintained. But this road, which ordinary people like us use daily, is left neglected.

'My Three Demands...'

I have already raised complaints and sent emails to the chairman of NHAI and the additional secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. But no action has been taken against the local authorities nor any temporary relief has been provided. 

Do they want 15-20 people to die or become disabled before fixing this road? Can anyone honestly look at this stretch and say preventive maintenance was done before the monsoon? The truth is, the entire 30 km stretch is in shambles.

That is why I have three clear demands from the government: Reconstruct the entire 30 km stretch of NH-56 immediately. Take strict action against the authorities responsible for this negligence. And provide me with compensation for the financial losses I am being forced to bear. This isn’t just about me or one accident; it is about life and death for the people living here.

NHAI's Response

Speaking to The Quint, Anuj Sharma, project director, NHAI, in Ektanagar, Gujarat, said that the resurfacing work of the NH-56 was 'halted' due to the rains.

"NHAI took over this stretch of NH-56  in January 2025, and subsequently awarded  the tender for resurfacing work for the entire stretch. The work commenced in May, but due to the  rains, resurfacing had to be halted for two months. Since patchwork and resurfacing cannot be  carried out during the rainy season, temporary  repairs were undertaken instead. We are hopeful  of completing the resurfacing work by October."

Anuj Sharma, Project Director, NHAI, Ektanagar, Gujarat

(The Quint has also reached out to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Their response is awaited. The story will be updated as and when they respond.)

(All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)