Four Flyover Works Choke East Nagpur

Nagpur: The simultaneous construction of four major flyovers in east Nagpur has thrown traffic into disarray, leaving thousands of commuters grappling with road closures, barricades and chaotic diversions. With key stretches sealed or partially barricaded for the works, residents said the absence of traffic marshals or police personnel has worsened congestion across the already crowded localities.The flyovers are part of a major infrastructure push being implemented by MahaRail in the city. Funded by Maharashtra urban development department, the four flyover projects are aimed at easing the traffic flow in Kharbi, Ladpura and Nandanvan areas.One of the worst-hit stretches is the Jagnade Square-Gangabai Ghat Road. Closure of this road for a flyover work has compelled motorists to take long detours through narrow internal roads, many of which can't handle heavy traffic flow. Peak hours see long queues of vehicles, frequent bottlenecks and rising tempers among commuters.Locals are compelled to use two pedestrian bridges over the Nag River to navigate between neighbourhoods cut off by the construction. Residents allege these old and vulnerable bridges are being used by autorickshaws and other small vehicles. Following complaints, barricades were installed to prevent vehicular access. But this created fresh problems. "We now have to squeeze through narrow gaps, risking imbalance and accidents. If these bridges are not safe for vehicles, authorities should strictly monitor them instead of creating new hazards for us," said Sanjay Ramteke, a local resident.The projects include a 251cr, 2.3km-long flyover from Reshimbagh Chowk to KDK College Square, and Telephone Exchange Chowk to Bhande Plot Chowk in Nandanvan area. Another 66cr flyover is being constructed from Chandrashekhar Azad Chowk to Marwadi Chowk at Masurkar Marg in Ladpura, spanning 564 metres.Two more projects include a 66cr flyover from Nandanvan Rajendra Nagar Square to Hasanbag Chowk in Kharbi (859m), and 274cr, 2.72-km flyover from Wardhaman Nagar IOCL petrol pump (Shivaji Chowk) to Nirmal Nagari on Umred Road at Middle Ring Road, Kharbi.Commuters said intersections near Jagnade Square, Nandanvan, Kharbi and Bagadganj witness traffic jams, especially during peak hours.