Nagpur's Rs 998-Crore Flyover Sparks Safety Fears as It Brushes Past Homes
In one of Nagpur's most densely built-up areas, the newly constructed Rs 998-crore Indora-Dighori flyover has raised serious safety concerns among residents and shopkeepers. The elevated structure passes alarmingly close to residential and commercial buildings, with gaps as narrow as a few inches in some sections, leaving virtually no buffer zone in case of accidents.
Most Alarming Segment Identified
The stretch between Agrasen Square, Golibar Square, and the Pachpaoli railway crossing has emerged as the most critical area. Local residents flag that the flyover's parapet wall nearly touches adjoining structures, creating a hazardous environment. "If a vehicle spins out of control, where will it go?" asked Shobha Chandekar, a resident. "There is no open margin. It could directly crash into our house."
At Ram Mohane's G+2 building, the flyover stands just 2.5 inches away, with the tin shed atop his structure brushing against the concrete deck. His ground-floor shop now sits directly beneath the elevated span, leading to reduced visibility and customer loss. "The alignment is completely left-skewed from Golibar Square towards Pachpaoli," Ram explained. "On the other side, there is over 50-foot distance between houses and the flyover. Here, it is just inches."
Business and Safety Impacts
Shopkeepers along the corridor report significant commercial setbacks due to the flyover's proximity. Prashant Tule, whose establishment lies directly under the structure, pointed out: "It passes right above our heads. My business has sunk. Dust is constant. We have to clean the shop multiple times a day, and traffic jams are traumatic."
Beyond economic losses, safety remains the dominant worry. Sanjay, who runs a private pre-convent nursery school along the stretch, expressed concern: "Earlier, if an accident occurred on a flyover, vehicles or debris fell on the road below. Now, smashed concrete or metal splinters can fly into our houses." He admitted not pursuing objections during construction, fearing it would be futile.
Emergency Access and Project Goals
Locals also question how emergency vehicles like fire tenders or rescue teams would manoeuvre in case of incidents, given narrow ground-level approach roads and limited clearance. The flyover passes through constricted urban nodes, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk near Gandhi Gate and the corridor up to Ashok Square.
The project aims to ease congestion along a chronically gridlocked route in north Nagpur and improve east-west connectivity. While commuters anticipate smoother travel once fully operational by June, residents argue that mobility gains must not compromise safety.
Calls for Safety Measures
With phased opening by April and final inauguration in June, residents are urging authorities to implement reinforced crash barriers, protective shields, and additional safeguards. A senior NHAI official stated: "We will be installing sound barriers at locations where buildings are in proximity to the flyover as a protective measure. We were aware of the limited space available during construction, and accordingly, these safeguards were incorporated into the project scope."
As Nagpur moves forward with this infrastructure development, the balance between urban progress and resident safety remains a critical issue demanding immediate attention.
