India, Sept. 4 -- Observing that multiple patches on Chinchoti-Kaman-Anjur-Mankoli Road in Bhiwandi were "in a state of serious disrepair," the Bombay High Court last week allowed the Maharashtra government to repair the crumbling road, which is caught in a contractual dispute between the government and the firm contracted to maintain the road, the Supreme Vasai Bhiwandi Tollway (SVBT). The high court said the state government can "carry out emergent repairs on the road to ensure that it is motorable".

The road, which connects Thane and Palghar districts, is a vital throughfare to reach Bhiwandi, Maharashtra's warehousing hub. With frequent heavy vehicle movement, the 26-km road also connects two national highways. The high court's order...