Dug-up Seminary Hills-Telangkhedi Road Turns ‘Accident In Waiting’ Spot

Nagpur: An excavated stretch on the busy road connecting Seminary Hills to Telangkhedi is posing a big threat to commuters. The stretch, located near the Mother Dairy plant and NCC Group headquarters, has been dug up for pipeline work, leaving a deep trench cutting across the road. With inadequate barricading and poor visibility after sunset, the dug-up spot is inviting accidents, locals told TOI.While authorities have placed partial barricades on one side, allowing a narrow passage for two-wheelers, the opposite side — approaching from the CP Club — remains completely exposed. The absence of proper barricading, warning signage, and reflectors has left motorists vulnerable, especially during evening hours when the area is plunged into darkness due to non-functional streetlights.A visit by TOI found that there is barely enough space even for a two-wheeler to pass through the stretch. Four-wheelers are unable to navigate the road and are being forced to take U-turns, leading to traffic congestion and confusion. In one alarming instance, even an ambulance had to turn back due to the dug-up road."Had it been an emergency, we would have lost crucial time changing the route," said the ambulance driver, highlighting the potential risks posed by the situation.Residents and regular commuters expressed anger over the lack of planning and safety measures. "There are no warning boards or lights. At night, the trench is almost invisible. Someone is bound to fall into it," said Deepak Korgaonkar, a resident of the area. Another commuter added, "This road is frequently used, and yet the work has been left incomplete and unsafe. Shockingly, no proper precautions have been taken."The trench, dug for laying a water pipeline, has effectively split the road, forcing vehicles into risky manoeuvres. Two-wheelers are seen squeezing through narrow gaps, while larger vehicles are left with no option but to turn around, disrupting traffic flow.Speaking to TOI, Rajkumar Meshram, assistant commissioner of the Dharampeth zone, acknowledged the issue and assured prompt action. "The road has been dug up for pipeline work. We were not informed about the lack of barricading and signage on one side. I will immediately deploy officials to the spot to ensure necessary safety measures are implemented," he said.