The approved alignment for the Sirohi bypass has been challenged in the High Court. Former MLA Sanyam Lodha's petition calls it against public interest, favoring the lower-cost Option-5.
This PIL was presented before a division bench of the Rajasthan High Court comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Praveer Bhatnagar. Advocate Rajesh Shah filed the petition on behalf of former MLA Sanyam Lodha.
The petition primarily challenges the alignment (Option-4) approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for the Sirohi bypass on NH-168. The petitioner argues that this approval is not in the public interest.
The petition states that the currently approved Option-4 passes through densely populated residential and commercial areas.
This will significantly increase the risk of road accidents in the future and will also adversely affect the planned urban development of the city. The petition also expresses concerns about a negative impact on the city's economic and social fabric.
According to the petitioner, Option-5, proposed in the Sirohi Master Plan-2031 approved by the state government, is technically more suitable, safer, and less costly.
This option is not only in line with the planned development of the city but is also more convenient for the general public. The petition claims that the number of people affected by Option-5 is also lower, which will lead to better road safety.
The petition also provides a detailed mention of the costs of both options.
In Option-4, the estimated cost for the bypass construction alone is approximately ₹158 crore, while the total estimated project cost is ₹303 crore.
In contrast, the construction cost of the bypass in Option-5 is about ₹83 crore, and the total estimated project cost is stated to be ₹249 crore.
Citing the Supreme Court's judgment in the R.K. Mittal vs. Government of Uttar Pradesh case, the petition argues that a Master Plan is not just an administrative guideline but a binding official document. It must be adhered to.
The petitioner also stated that departmental officials and the Union Minister were informed of the actual facts, and the comparative report prepared by the officials also described Option-5 as better.
Several officials, including the Alignment Approval Committee of the National Highways Ministry, the Additional Chief Secretary (PWD) of Rajasthan, the District Collector of Sirohi, and the Project Director of National Highways, have been made parties to this PIL.
All eyes are now on the next hearing on August 6, 2026, when the Central and State governments will present their side before the court.
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