Jharkhand High Court takes up PIL for repair of Hata-Tiring NH-220

Mail News Service

Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court today heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Akash Sharma regarding the deteriorating condition of National Highway 220, specifically the four-kilometre stretch from Rasunchopa to the Tiring border. The petition highlighted the urgency of repairs to ensure safe and smooth connectivity for residents of Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.

Advocate Akhilesh Srivastava, representing Sharma, presented compelling evidence, including photographs and videos, to the Chief Justice’s bench. The visuals depicted potholes as deep as 2.5 feet and underscored the daily risk of accidents. “The road has been in a deplorable state since 2018 and during the monsoon, it becomes almost impassable. Villages like Balidih, Palidih and Rasunchopa are cut off, leaving residents stranded,” Srivastava argued.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the Chief Justice accepted the PIL and issued notices to the Central Government, Jharkhand Government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The court has sought immediate responses from these authorities regarding the repair and maintenance of the highway.

Advocate Akash Sharma emphasized the importance of the route, stating, “This highway is a vital link between Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Timely repair will not only improve transportation but also boost socio-economic development in the region. It is a matter of safety and accessibility for thousands.”

The petition has drawn attention to the long-standing neglect of the highway, which has become a hazard for travellers and a barrier to regional connectivity. “Every day, the road condition contributes to accidents and disrupts lives. Action is overdue,” Sharma added.

Other advocates, including Ashok Jha and Rakesh, were also present during the hearing, which marks a critical step toward addressing the infrastructure issues affecting the region.