The issue of securing land for a service road for the proposed 6-lane expansion of Abu Road Highway has intensified. A Union Minister has written to Nitin Gadkari in this regard.
The issue of a service road before the 6-lane expansion of Abu Road Highway has reached the Center.Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav urged Nitin Gadkari in a letter to secure the land.Following a Supreme Court order, commercial construction is banned within 75 meters of the highway.The letter also demands an investigation into the construction of malls and housing schemes in the area.
Sirohi |The issue of securing land for a service road before the proposed 6-lane expansion of the national highway passing through the Karaifali village area near Abu Road has now reached the central government. Taking a significant step in this regard, the Union Minister of State has written a letter to the Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
Union Minister Writes to Gadkari
Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav has sent a letter to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging him to intervene in the matter. He has requested necessary action considering the future need for a service road in the Karaifali-Santhpur-Abu Road area.
Citing Convenience for Devotees and Local Residents
In his letter, Union Minister Jadhav has also attached a detailed representation from Smt. Usha A. Solanki. The letter states that an additional service road may be required during the plan to expand the current 4-lane national highway to 6 lanes.
Particularly, it has been stated that securing adequate land for the service road is extremely necessary for the smooth movement of devotees going to Ambaji and the local residents of Karaifali village.
Demand to Include Land in No-Construction Zone
The letter also urges that the land for the future required service road be included in the plan for the respective no-construction zone. The objective is to ensure that no residential or commercial construction in the said corridor obstructs the construction of the service road later.
Request for Investigation of Constructions
The Union Minister also stated that several important aspects should be considered while granting permissions for future development, construction approvals, and land use changes in the Karaifali-Santhpur-Abu Road area.
These include the proposed service road, applicable rules of the national highway, and the directives of the Hon'ble Supreme Court.
In this matter, a request has also been made to investigate the status of Abu Central Mall and a new under-construction mall. The letter demands that the status of both these constructions be verified in relation to the prescribed no-construction zone of the national highway.
If any irregularity is found during the investigation, necessary action should be taken as per the applicable provisions.
Furthermore, an objection has also been registered regarding the flats being constructed by TFI under the Mukhyamantri Jan Awas Yojana in the same area. A complaint has been submitted to the District Collector, DC, and other high-level officials demanding an investigation into the construction.
Rules Changed After Supreme Court Order
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government has also issued an important circular regarding construction and land use around national highways. This step has been taken in compliance with a Supreme Court order.
The state government has prohibited land conversion for residential purposes within 40 meters and for new dhabas, eateries, and commercial constructions within 75 meters from the center point of the national highway.
The circular issued by the Revenue (Group-6) Department states that this action has been taken following the order passed on April 13, 2026, in the suo moto writ petition 'In Re: Phalodi Accident vs. National Highways Authority of India & Ors.' filed in the Hon'ble Supreme Court.
State Government's Circular Issued
According to the circular, no land conversion will be allowed for any type of residential construction, operation, or use within 40 meters from the center point of the national highway. Similarly, land conversion for new dhabas, eateries, or other commercial construction, operation, and use will also be prohibited within a 75-meter limit from the center point.
The state government has clarified that this arrangement has been implemented in compliance with the Supreme Court's order of April 13, 2026.
Significance of the Matter Increased
The issue of the proposed 6-laning, future service road, and ongoing constructions around the national highway in the Karaifali-Santhpur-Abu Road area has become even more significant after these new government directives.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav has requested Nitin Gadkari to investigate the matter and have the concerned officials examine the representation and attached documents. He has also urged the issuance of appropriate instructions to the relevant departments and the National Highways Authority of India for necessary action.
गणपत सिंह मांडोली
