The problem of private buses arbitrarily picking up and dropping passengers on Nagpur's busy roads has returned with full force, causing severe traffic disruptions across multiple locations in the city. Despite a clear prohibition imposed by Nagpur Traffic Police in August that banned such activities within the Inner Ring Road, numerous private bus operators - especially those operating short-distance routes - are openly violating the restrictions.
Widespread Violations at Major Junctions
A recent inspection by Times of India revealed alarming scenes at several traditional pickup points, where back-to-back queues of private buses were seen waiting to board passengers. The most significant violations were observed at Chatrapati Square, Kriplani Square, and multiple junctions along Central Avenue. Buses traveling toward destinations like Chandrapur, Wardha, and Yavatmal were found stopping for extended periods of up to 15 minutes, completely blocking traffic flow.
During evening hours, even some long-distance travel operators had resumed their old practices, with several buses spotted loading passengers at Bole Petrol Pump Square. Although traffic personnel were present and taking action at this location, the problem persists across the city.
Short-Distance Operators Main Culprits
According to insider information, most long-distance bus operators - particularly those with their own parking facilities - are largely complying with the regulations by boarding passengers only from designated areas. The primary issue stems from short-distance operators, many of whom arrive from outside Nagpur and show complete disregard for the rules.
The situation has escalated to the point where heated arguments between these operators and traffic police have become increasingly common. A local tea vendor at Chatrapati Square described the cat-and-mouse game: "The buses quickly drive away when a police vehicle appears, but otherwise they continue waiting on the road until all passengers are boarded."
Police Response and Passenger Reactions
DCP (Traffic) Lohit Matani emphasized that his department has been consistently enforcing the ban, which previously achieved significant success in reducing congestion. "Traffic congestion on key locations has reduced by around 80% to 90% since the ban," he told TOI. However, he acknowledged that a few bus operators remain reluctant to follow directives despite repeated enforcement actions.
The traffic police are now taking stricter measures, with plans to blacklist two bus operators who continuously violate the order. Additionally, a proposal to cancel the permits of approximately 10 buses is currently pending with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Interestingly, despite the traffic chaos caused by these violations, some passengers have expressed support for the relaxed enforcement, claiming it makes boarding more convenient. Daily commuters traveling to Nagpur from districts including Wardha, Yavatmal, Hinganghat, Chandrapur, Bhandara, and Gondia say they no longer need to travel long distances to reach authorized parking spots.
DCP Matani stressed the necessity for coordinated efforts among different agencies to identify and establish dedicated parking spaces for private buses. The strict enforcement in August had previously brought notable relief to trouble spots such as Chatrapati Square, Ravi Nagar, and Central Avenue, demonstrating that the ban can be effective when properly implemented.
