Nagpur Civic Body Intensifies Demolition Drive for Road Widening
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has executed a significant demolition operation over the past three days, targeting more than 200 properties to facilitate the long-delayed Old Bhandara Road widening project. This aggressive drive marks a crucial step forward in addressing persistent traffic congestion along this busy corridor.
Systematic Demolition Resumes After Brief Pause
The demolition initiative, which commenced earlier this month, was temporarily halted to complete essential procedural formalities and enhance inter-departmental coordination. Upon resumption, the operation proceeded in a systematic and organized manner, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing activities.
Senior civic officials have confirmed that multiple stretches along the corridor are now free from encroachments and acquired properties. "We are concentrating on properties that have already been acquired or purchased," an official stated. "Some government-owned structures, including those belonging to the NMC, were also cleared. At various locations, properties on both sides of the road were removed, creating the necessary space for widening work to resume."
Property Acquisition and Compensation Details
Out of 637 properties identified for acquisition, compensation has been awarded for 209 properties acquired through the Collectorate. Additionally, the NMC has directly secured 72 properties, while 56 structures are government-owned. This comprehensive acquisition process has been pivotal in overcoming previous delays that stalled the project.
Project Overview and Future Expectations
The widening project, awarded by the Public Works Department Maharashtra (PWD) in September 2021, involves a Rs70-crore investment covering a 3-kilometer stretch from Mayo Hospital to Sunil Hotel. According to the plan, the road will be widened to 18 meters up to Bagdadi Square and expanded to 30 meters beyond that point to significantly alleviate congestion.
To facilitate uninterrupted work, time was granted to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to relocate large transformers installed along the stretch. So far, only about 150 meters of the road has been widened, but with the demolition drive now in full swing, authorities anticipate a substantial acceleration in construction activities.
This renewed effort underscores the NMC's commitment to improving urban infrastructure and addressing long-standing traffic issues in Nagpur, promising enhanced mobility and reduced congestion for residents and commuters alike.
