Nagpur's Vital Gorakshan Junction Paralyzed by Major Infrastructure Work
Nagpur's bustling Gorakshan T-point, a critical junction near the start of the Gowari flyover, has descended into severe traffic chaos due to ongoing road concretisation and cycle track construction. The public works department (PWD) has restricted traffic flow to just a single operational lane by closing one lane on each side, dramatically reducing road capacity at this essential intersection.
Commuters Face Nightmarish Delays and Fuel Shortages
The situation has been exacerbated by long vehicle queues outside a petrol pump near Gorakshan temple, with cars frequently spilling onto the main road and intensifying the bottleneck. Commuters report experiencing near standstill conditions, particularly during peak hours, with delays stretching to 45 minutes or more.
"I've been trapped in this queue for 45 minutes. I don't even have enough fuel to reach pumps on the outskirts," lamented Jignesh Patidar, who needed to travel to his farm near Khindsi. The congestion has severely disrupted daily routines for office-goers and professionals who depend on this crucial stretch.
"The flyover is a lifeline for those heading beyond Zero Mile. But for those of us working in Dhantoli and Sitabuldi, it has become a daily ordeal," said Dr Akhilesh Navghare, who operates a clinic in Dhantoli. "The work has been taken up from both sides, squeezing traffic flow to unbearable levels."
Residents Criticize Project Planning and Execution
Local residents and commuters have voiced strong concerns about the execution of this high-value project, alleging poor planning and insufficient traffic management measures. "Rahate Colony to Variety Square is always a high-traffic stretch. Carrying out such a large project without proper planning demonstrates a complete lack of empathy for citizens," asserted tuition teacher Kavita Raut.
Massive Infrastructure Project Details and Timeline
The project is being implemented in phases and covers two major stretches:
- The 2.6-kilometer section from Rahate Colony Square to RBI Square, currently underway with a budget of ₹25 crore, includes comprehensive road concretisation along with footpath development and cycle track construction. This phase is expected to be completed by September 2026.
- The longer 6.1-kilometer stretch from RBI Square to Automotive Square, estimated at ₹150 crore, is scheduled to commence at a later date.
Traffic Police Response and Official Perspectives
Assistant Police Inspector (Traffic) of Sitabuldi zone, Vikram Jadhav, informed that considering the heavy traffic at the junction, two traffic police officers are permanently posted there. "The officers frequently assist in navigating the traffic. If the queues continue creating bottlenecks, we will deploy two additional officers to help ease the snarls," he stated.
According to PWD sources, the single lane kept open should theoretically allow for smooth traffic flow. They suggest that the queue from the petrol pump might be the primary cause of the bottleneck. "The traffic police and revenue department can take action on this issue. They could potentially divert the queue toward Congress Nagar, which would significantly help ease the bottleneck," explained an official.
