Nagpur's Old Bhandara Road Widening Project Gains Momentum with Demolition Drive
In a significant push to revive the long-stalled Old Bhandara Road widening project, Nagpur authorities launched a demolition drive on Thursday to clear acquired properties along the crucial stretch. The operation, which commenced early in the morning, saw two bulldozers deployed under heavy police security to demolish structures from Mayo Hospital to Shaheed Chowk.
High-Level Supervision and Official Warnings
District Collector Vipin Itankar personally supervised the demolition drive, walking the stretch to assess progress. He was accompanied by SDO Suresh Bagale and officials from multiple agencies, including the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), City Survey Department, Public Works Department (PWD), and police personnel. Itankar issued stern warnings to property owners who had already received compensation, instructing them to vacate immediately or face demolition without further delay.
The collector emphasized that the action targeted only properties where legal formalities were complete and compensation had been disbursed, ensuring compliance with due process.
Historical Hurdles and Financial Overview
The project, which received its work order in 2021, has been plagued by years of delays due to slow acquisition processes and legal disputes. A senior official from the collectorate revealed that the project was sanctioned Rs267 crore for property acquisition alone. Of this, NMC purchased 68 properties for Rs68 crore, but the process dragged on for years, prompting NMC to request compulsory acquisition by the collector's office.
"We have acquired properties and paid around Rs60 crore to 207 landowners, in addition to the 68 properties acquired by NMC," the official stated, noting that a total of 450 properties need acquisition for the project's completion.
Project Scope and Current Challenges
The Old Bhandara Road widening project covers a 3km stretch from Mayo Hospital to Sunil Hotel. PWD awarded the contract in September 2021, with civil and electrical works estimated at Rs70 crore. According to the plan:
- The section from Mayo Hospital to Bagdadi Square will be widened to 18 metres.
- The remaining portion up to Sunil Hotel will expand to 30 metres.
A PWD official explained that work had remained stalled due to pending acquisitions, with only a 150-metre patch near Mayo Hospital widened earlier. Hundreds of properties along the route had hindered progress, but officials now expect momentum to build in the coming weeks as the demolition drive clears the way.
Compensation and Pending Cases
While most landowners have accepted compensation and vacated their premises, some cases remain pending due to internal disputes among property holders. The official confirmed that authorities will soon initiate acquisition processes for these remaining properties, ensuring the project moves forward comprehensively.
"On Thursday, the drive started to demolish properties for which payments have been done," the official reiterated, highlighting the phased approach to avoid legal complications.
This demolition drive marks a critical step in overcoming the logistical and administrative barriers that have delayed Nagpur's infrastructure development, promising improved connectivity and urban planning once completed.
