In a significant move to enhance public safety, the Nagpur civic authorities have finally installed new height-restriction barriers and additional traffic barricades at the crucial Sitabuldi flyover. This action comes after months of persistent safety concerns and numerous complaints from citizens regarding the previous, damaged setup.
Immediate Upgrade After Repeated Collisions
The decision to implement the new safety measures was driven by the repeated failure of the older barriers. Heavy vehicles frequently collided with the earlier restrictions, rendering them completely unusable and creating a hazardous situation. A senior official from the Public Works Department's World Bank Division confirmed to TOI that the current installation is an interim arrangement. This setup will manage traffic until a more robust and permanent structural reinforcement is put in place.
Permanent, Tamper-Proof Gantry in the Pipeline
Officials have clarified that the visible work is merely the first phase of a comprehensive overhaul. A deputy engineer revealed that a formal tender for a stronger, more durable gantry structure has already been floated. Once the process is finalized, this upgraded structure will be installed to provide a stable and tamper-proof height restriction.
The new gantry is specifically designed to withstand minor impacts from vehicles and effectively prevent heavy vehicles from attempting to bypass the restriction. "Our focus is on long-term safety," the official stated. "The earlier incidents of trucks smashing into the barrier had weakened the entire system. This time, we are ensuring the design is robust and cannot be easily damaged."
Traffic Discipline Shows Immediate Improvement
The Sitabuldi flyover is one of Nagpur's busiest connectors and has often been a scene of chaotic traffic. This chaos was frequently caused by drivers ignoring signage and trying to speed onto the structure. To combat this, traffic police introduced the additional barricades to enforce disciplined movement and reduce collision risks.
The early results are promising. Officers stationed at the site have reported an immediate positive change in driver behavior. They have observed that most two-wheelers and cars are now slowing down significantly before entering the flyover, leading to a smoother and safer flow of traffic.
