Nagpur Municipal Corporation Resumes Critical Storm Drainage Project in Dhantoli
After an extended hiatus, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has recommenced construction on a storm water drainage network along one of the most congested stretches in Dhantoli. This essential infrastructure initiative is clearing the path for the long-awaited concretisation of a crucial 350-metre road segment connecting Lokmat Square and Dhantoli Park.
Arterial Road Serves Multiple Healthcare Facilities
This arterial link is a vital corridor serving several hospitals, witnessing a constant and heavy flow of patients, visitors, and emergency vehicles daily. Civic authorities have emphasised that completing the drainage network is an absolute prerequisite before commencing the cement concrete road (CCR) work on this final pending stretch.
Current excavation work along the road edges has significantly reduced the effective carriageway width, leading to slowed traffic movement, especially during peak hours. While vehicular flow continues, frequent bottlenecks have emerged due to the narrowed passage. To mitigate public disruption, the NMC is strategically executing the project in carefully planned phases.
Traffic Congestion Intensifies in Broader Area
A recent site visit confirmed drainage pipeline work progressing along the roadside with intermittent barricades. Traffic has not been halted, but the reduced width is adversely affecting vehicular movement. Compounding the issue, traffic conditions across the broader Dhantoli area have deteriorated further.
The parallel road concretisation work on the Lokmat Square–Rahate Colony Square stretch has restricted it to a single lane. This has diverted substantial additional traffic onto internal roads, intensifying congestion across all adjoining routes and creating a challenging commute for residents and hospital-goers alike.
Project Nearing Completion with Strategic Planning
NMC executive engineer Sunil Uike provided an update, stating that most road works in Dhantoli under Phase IV of the CCR project are now complete. "Out of four major road stretches in this area, three have been successfully concretised. The final segment between Humpyard Road and Lokmat Square is nearing completion, with only this 350-metre patch remaining," Uike explained.
He clarified that the civic body deliberately prioritised the drainage network to ensure the long-term durability and integrity of the upcoming road. "We are laying the drainage line first to eliminate any future need for excavation. Once this is fully completed, we will immediately commence concretisation of the remaining stretch," Uike affirmed.
Monsoon Deadline and Community Consultation
The entire project remains on schedule and is expected to be finished before the onset of the monsoon season. This deadline is critically important given Dhantoli's historical vulnerability to severe waterlogging during periods of heavy rainfall.
Highlighting the sensitive nature of the area, which houses multiple critical healthcare facilities, Uike assured that the work is being meticulously planned to minimise public inconvenience. "We are executing the project in short, manageable stretches specifically to ensure that access to hospitals is never disrupted," he stated.
In a move towards collaborative governance, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has also consulted with the Dhantoli Nagarik Mandal, incorporating their valuable suggestions into the execution plan. This aims to strike an optimal balance between essential infrastructure upgrades and maintaining public convenience throughout the construction period.
