In a significant boost to Vidarbha's connectivity, the region on Monday witnessed the inauguration of a dozen major rail-road infrastructure projects, marking a pivotal moment in its development narrative. The projects, collectively valued at a staggering Rs 609 crore, were dedicated to the public in a state-level ceremony, with a substantial focus on alleviating long-standing traffic woes in eastern Maharashtra.
A Major Push for Vidarbha's Connectivity
The event saw Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurating eight crucial projects specifically for the Vidarbha region. These included four Road Over Bridges (RoBs), three Road Under Bridges or subways (RuBs), and the highly anticipated Lakadganj flyover in Nagpur. Constructed by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail), these structures are engineered to eliminate dangerous railway level crossings, dramatically improve road safety, and ensure a smoother flow of vehicular traffic.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the gathering via video conference, outlined the state's comprehensive strategy. He revealed that Maharashtra currently has 524 railway level crossings. While the railways are handling 240 RoBs and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is building 73, the remaining 211 locations have been entrusted to MahaRail. The corporation has already submitted its proposals, and the state government has pledged positive decisions to address these bottlenecks.
Focus on Nagpur and Urban Mobility
The cornerstone of Monday's inaugurations was the 1,372-metre-long Lakadganj flyover in east Nagpur. Built at a cost of Rs 135 crore and funded by the state's urban development department, this flyover is expected to provide major relief to commuters on the congested Old Bhandara Road corridor. The main ceremony was held at this site, with dignitaries including Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Public Works Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale in attendance.
CM Fadnavis highlighted a critical issue at 80 of the 211 locations taken up by MahaRail, where neither a crossing nor a subway exists despite residential and commercial areas on both sides of the tracks. Thirteen of these problematic spots are in Nagpur alone, causing severe congestion. The government reiterated its commitment to making Maharashtra "railway-crossing free," with work already progressing at several sites.
Project Details and Long-Term Benefits
Across Vidarbha, the newly opened RoBs are situated at Katol, Kalamna, Tirora, and Sakharwahi. Three subways have been built in Chandrapur district, with two more in Amravati district. These projects follow a 50:50 cost-sharing model between the Ministry of Railways and the Maharashtra government.
Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, Managing Director of MahaRail, emphasized the transformative impact of these initiatives. He stated that the projects would substantially cut travel time, reduce traffic congestion, and act as a catalyst for regional development. Importantly, the subways have been equipped with robust drainage systems and protective structures to prevent waterlogging during monsoons, ensuring their safety and reliability for years to come.
This massive infrastructure push underscores the growing priority of the Vidarbha region in the state's planning. By removing hazardous crossings and building modern overpasses and underpasses, the authorities aim to create a safer, more efficient transportation network that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for millions of residents.
