Nagpur witnessed a high-voltage India–New Zealand T20I match that drew thousands of cricket enthusiasts to the city. However, as the excitement of the game faded, a more troubling reality emerged around the Mihan area, where the spotlight shifted from celebrations to an unsettling darkness that exposed critical infrastructure deficiencies.
Commuters Face Pitch-Dark Conditions Post-Match
Hundreds of commuters converging at Khapri Metro station following the match encountered pitch-dark stretches, non-functional streetlights, and poorly maintained approach roads. This triggered fresh concerns over basic infrastructure in one of Nagpur's most ambitious projects, casting a shadow over the city's development aspirations.
Underpass and Approach Roads in Disrepair
Residents as well as commuters complained that the underpass near Khapri Metro station remained largely dark, with no proper lighting in place. The approach roads, instead of being paved, resembled 'kaccha' tracks — uneven and dusty — making night-time movement both difficult and unsafe.
For many, especially first-time visitors heading to the metro to avoid traffic snarls on match day, the experience was intimidating. "It felt unsafe walking through the underpass. There was no visibility, no police presence, nothing," said Vaibhav Nandgaonkar, a cricket enthusiast who got out at Khapri Metro station with family members.
Infrastructure Failures Defeat Public Transport Purpose
"With large crowds using the Metro on match days and during late working hours, the absence of lighting and proper access roads defeats the purpose of promoting public transport," said Prashant Kulkarni, another commuter. This sentiment highlights how infrastructure gaps can undermine urban mobility initiatives.
Persistent Problems Plague Mihan Area
A visit to the area revealed that the problem extended well beyond the underpass. The road connecting Mihan to Khapri Metro station was equally poorly lit, with several streetlights either defunct or missing altogether. Long stretches were shrouded in darkness, broken intermittently by a few working lamps.
Unpaved roads, loose gravel, and dust added to commuters' woes, even on the approach road towards Mihan. Darkness, in fact, has been one of Mihan's most persistent problems since its inception.
World-Class Vision Meets Basic Amenity Shortfalls
Envisioned as a world-class industrial and logistics hub, Mihan has struggled to provide basic civic amenities despite housing major IT and manufacturing units. Over the years, industries and employees have repeatedly flagged:
- The absence of adequate street lighting
- Poor internal roads
- A lack of public transport support
- Minimal safety infrastructure
The issue becomes particularly acute after sunset, when thousands of employees travel in and out of the area during late shifts. "Several streetlights on the road connecting Mihan to Khapri Metro station were not working for months, and the roads remained unpaved. This became a serious safety concern during peak hours," said an employee working in Mihan on the condition of anonymity.
Official Response and Future Action
In response to these concerns, a Metro official stated: "We will take cognisance of the matter. We will also review the situation with the concerned agencies and take necessary action." This acknowledgment comes as residents and commuters await tangible improvements to ensure safety and accessibility in the Mihan area.
The post-match darkness incident serves as a stark reminder that while Nagpur hosts international sporting events and promotes ambitious projects like Mihan, basic infrastructure maintenance remains crucial for public safety and urban development success.
