The sudden closure of the Old Manish Nagar underpass by MahaMetro on Monday threw traffic out of gear across key adjoining routes, leaving commuters stranded and sparking widespread frustration.
Underpass Shut Without Notice
The underpass, a crucial link between Wardha Road and areas across the Nagpur-Wardha railway line, was shut without prior notice for maintenance and cleaning work. The move led to heavy congestion on alternative routes, particularly at the Somalwada underpass, which witnessed severe traffic jams during both morning and evening peak hours. A senior MahaMetro official confirmed that the closure was temporary. "The underpass was closed for maintenance and cleaning work. It will be reopened on Tuesday," the official told TOI.
Commuters Left in the Lurch
The lack of any advance intimation caught daily commuters off guard. Many motorists reached the underpass only to find it barricaded, forcing them to take U-turns on both Wardha Road and Manish Nagar sides and reroute through already congested stretches.
"The officials have made it a joke by suddenly closing the underpass. Now I have to go all the way back to Somalwada underpass to go to Wardha Road. They could have at least informed citizens before closing the route. Since its opening, Old Manish Nagar underpass has been riddled with issues, including waterlogging, lack of proper illumination and now it has been closed," said Vaishnavi Thakur, a regular commuter.
Traffic Chaos on Alternative Routes
With the Old Manish Nagar underpass shut, traffic pressure mounted on Somalwada underpass and Manish Nagar railway overbridge (RoB). The episode has once again highlighted concerns over traffic management and the need for better coordination and communication by authorities while undertaking maintenance work on critical urban infrastructure.
