In a daily ordeal that puts young lives at risk, more than five hundred students in Nagpur are forced to navigate a severely damaged and dangerous stretch of road between Kamal Chowk and the Pachpaoli police station to reach their educational institutions. The situation has escalated into a major safety crisis due to ongoing construction by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
A Commute Turned Nightmare
The critical route, essential for students accessing several schools and colleges, has been transformed into a perilous path. The reconstruction work on the Pachpaoli flyover has narrowed the lanes drastically, sometimes to just a few feet in width. This has been compounded by the presence of deep potholes, slippery muck from water spraying for dust suppression, and chaotic heavy traffic. The road surface is extensively damaged, creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians, especially children.
Institutions in the Line of Danger
The area houses multiple educational institutions, making it a vital corridor for students. Affected schools and colleges include Keswani Sindhi Hindi Girls High School, Panchsheel Vidyalaya, Sindhi Hindi Higher Secondary School, Sindhu Mahavidyalaya, and CSC Girls Junior College. The danger is amplified by large vehicles like water tankers that further constrict the already limited space. Encroachments and roadside vendors add to the congestion, choking the under-flyover road where traffic has been diverted.
Growing Anger and Demands for Action
Parents and local residents are living in a state of constant anxiety. "We pray for the safe return of our children, but the authorities appear indifferent," expressed a concerned resident. With near-miss accidents being frequently reported, the community's frustration is boiling over. There are now loud and clear demands for:
- Immediate repair of the road's worst sections.
- Implementation of better traffic management systems during construction.
- Installation of temporary safety measures like proper barricades and signage to protect students.
The collective call is for the NHAI and local administration to act urgently before a major tragedy occurs on this vital student route in Nagpur.
