Butibori Flyover Repair to Take 45 Days, Causing Daily 2-Km Traffic Jams on Wardha Road
The collapse of the Butibori flyover on December 24 has caused major disruptions for commuters on Wardha Road (nagpur). An overloaded truck was identified as the primary reason for the structural failure. Since then, the bridge has remained closed, leading to severe traffic congestion. Authorities have now announced that repair work will commence in 10 days and take 45 days to complete.
The Butibori Flyover Collapse: What Went Wrong?
The collapse of this critical bridge raised serious concerns about construction quality and oversight. The flyover, originally built under the supervision of then-NHAI Project Director Nitin Yeotkar, failed due to overloading. A delayed expert report confirmed that the bridge could not withstand the excessive load.
Overloading and Structural Weakness
A 187-tonne truck was reportedly responsible for the incident. Despite NHAI’s assurance of an FIR against the truck operator, there is no confirmation of legal action.
Expert Report and Investigation
An investigation by NHAI’s expert team took weeks to conclude. Their report, while ready, has not been fully disclosed, leaving commuters in the dark about the exact reasons for the failure.
Impact on Traffic: A Daily Nightmare
Two-Kilometer Traffic Jams
With the flyover closed, a 2-km-long traffic jam from Butibori Square to Dongargaon has become a daily struggle. Commuters are left frustrated, spending extra hours on the road.
Alternative Routes Make Things Worse
Earlier, vehicles traveled directly from MIDC to Wardha Road. Now, they are forced to divert through the Butibori intersection, exacerbating congestion.
No Relief from Toll Collection
Despite the inconvenience, toll collection continues, leading to growing resentment among travelers who see no immediate relief.
Timeline for Repair Work
According to NHAI Regional Officer RP Singh, the flyover repairs will begin in 10 days and take approximately 45 days to complete. Once restored, normal traffic flow should resume.
Safety Concerns and Public Outcry
Need for Improved Construction Quality
Residents and commuters demand better construction practices to prevent such failures in the future. The flyover must be rigorously tested for safety before reopening.
Fatal Accidents Amidst Chaos
On January 18, a bike rider lost his life at Butibori intersection, highlighting the risks caused by diversions and poor traffic management.
Government Response and Accountability
While NHAI has outlined a repair plan, citizens are questioning the lack of accountability. Who should be held responsible for the structural failure? And will stronger policies be implemented to prevent similar incidents?
The Butibori flyover collapse has caused significant disruptions, with long traffic jams, increased commuting times, and safety risks. While repair work is scheduled, the key question remains—will authorities ensure better quality this time? Only time will tell if lessons have truly been learned.
1. Why did the Butibori flyover collapse?
The flyover collapsed due to overloading, with a 187-tonne truck exerting excessive stress on the structure.
2. When will the repair work begin and end?
Repair work will commence in 10 days and is expected to be completed in 45 days.
3. How is the traffic being managed during the closure?
Traffic has been diverted through the Butibori intersection, causing daily 2-km-long jams.
4. Is the NHAI taking responsibility for the failure?
An expert report has been prepared, but details remain undisclosed. No clear accountability has been established yet.
5. Will there be any improvements in the flyover’s construction?
Local residents demand better construction and safety tests before reopening, but it remains to be seen if authorities will implement these changes.
