Over 200 properties razed for Old Bhandara Road widening

Nagpur: The last three days saw the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) intensifying its drive and demolishing over 200 properties to pave way for the long-delayed Old Bhandara Road widening project. The demolition drive, which began earlier this month, was briefly paused to complete procedural formalities and streamline coordination among departments before it resumed in a systematic manner. According to senior civic officials, multiple stretches along the busy corridor are now free of encroachments and acquired properties. "We are focusing on properties already acquired or purchased. Some govt-owned structures, including those belonging to NMC, were also cleared. At several locations, properties on both sides of the road were removed, allowing space for the widening work to resume," an official told TOI.
Officials added that time was granted to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to shift large transformers installed along the stretch to facilitate uninterrupted work.Out of 637 properties identified for acquisition, compensation was awarded for 209 properties acquired through the Collectorate. Additionally, 72 properties were secured directly by NMC, while 56 structures are govt-owned. The widening project, awarded by the Public Works Department Maharashtra (PWD) in September 2021, was stalled due to delays in land acquisition. The Rs70-crore project covers a 3-km stretch from Mayo Hospital to Sunil Hotel. As per the plan, the road will be widened to 18 metres up to Bagdadi Square and 30 metres beyond to ease congestion. So far, only about 150 metres was widened, but with demolition now in full swing, authorities expect work to accelerate.