Nagpur Road Widening Demolition Drive Temporarily Halted for Coordination
Property owners affected by the Old Bhandara Road widening project in Nagpur have received a brief respite as the district administration has temporarily paused the demolition drive. This pause is intended to complete essential procedural requirements and allow various agencies to coordinate for a larger, more systematic operation.
Drive Schedule and Official Coordination
The demolition drive, which commenced on Thursday, is scheduled to resume next week. This follows the completion of demarcation work and logistical preparations by the concerned agencies. Officials stated that a crucial meeting was held on Friday between representatives from the district collectorate, the Public Works Department (PWD), and City Survey officials to determine the next course of action.
The decision to halt demolitions for a few days came after requests from several landowners. A senior official from the collectorate explained, "We will complete the demarcation on Monday and Tuesday. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), which is responsible for the demolition drive, required time to prepare for a full-scale operation. From February 11, the drive will resume in full force." The official added that it would take approximately 8 to 10 days to completely clear the acquired properties for the project.
Project Details and Progress
The project involves widening a 3-kilometer stretch of Old Bhandara Road from Mayo Hospital to Sunil Hotel at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore, including civil and electrical works. According to the plan:
- The section from Mayo Hospital to Bagdadi Square will be widened to 18 meters.
- The stretch from Bagdadi Square to Sunil Hotel will be expanded to 30 meters.
This expansion aims to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the area. Sources indicate that once the encroachments and acquired properties are fully cleared, the PWD will immediately resume the road widening work. To date, only about 150 meters of the proposed 3-kilometer stretch have been widened, as the project remained stalled for years due to land acquisition issues and related disputes.
Future Outlook and Impact
The temporary pause is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smoother and more efficient demolition process, minimizing disruptions and addressing landowners' concerns. The resumption of the drive next week is expected to accelerate the project, which is critical for Nagpur's infrastructure development. Officials emphasize that the coordination efforts will help streamline operations and reduce delays, ultimately benefiting the community through improved road conditions and traffic flow.
