Gridlocked Indora-Dighori Flyover Project Gains Pace, So Do Commuters’ Suffering

A Promise of Progress Meets Roadblocks
Imagine a city trying to sprint in marathon traffic shoes. That’s Nagpur right now. While the Indora-Dighori flyover project is gaining momentum, so is the frustration among daily commuters. Traffic snarls, blocked routes, and never-ending wait times—sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Let’s explore the reality behind the progress and pain of Nagpur’s latest infrastructure overhaul.
🚧 The Flyover Revolution: A Brief Look Back
The 1996 Kickoff — Kamal to Golibar Square
Nagpur’s flyover journey began in 1996 with the now-demolished Panchpaoli bridge connecting Kamal Square to Golibar Square. It was revolutionary back then—a model that inspired the city’s flyover boom.
Why the First Bridge Failed
Over time, growing vehicle numbers and deteriorating road conditions rendered the old flyover ineffective. Commuters experienced more of a rollercoaster ride than a smooth drive.
🛠️ Demolition in Action: Out With the Old
Starting at Kamal Square
The demolition officially began on April 16, 2025, at Kamal Square. Work progressed up to the first railway level crossing near the Panchpaoli Police Station.
Why Golibar Square Was Next
Due to pending Railway approvals, demolition paused and resumed at Golibar Square. A strategic switch, but not without chaos.
🚦 Commuters’ Daily Dilemma: The Service Lane Struggle
Two Railway Crossings = Endless Waiting
With the flyover gone, all diverted traffic now squeezes through a narrow service lane flanked by two excruciatingly slow railway crossings.
Waiting for trains to pass here feels like waiting for summer rain in the desert.
Everyday Impact on Life
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Office goers are routinely late.
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Ambulances are stuck in queues.
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School buses are delayed.
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Fuel consumption is up.
💸 A ₹998 Crore Megaproject: What’s the Vision?
Indora to Dighori in 15 Minutes
Once completed, this flyover will cut travel time from an hour to just 15 minutes. Now that’s a game-changer!
Who’s Behind It?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is overseeing the project, aiming for completion by June 2026.
🧱 Construction Updates: Where Things Stand Today
Post-Golibar Square Progress
From Gen Mancharshah Awari Square to Agrasen Square, pillars are up. Girders now stretch up to Nag River bridge at Ashok Square.
Ashok Square’s Chaos
Ashok Square is the eye of the traffic storm right now:
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Roads narrowed to one-lane
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Traffic lights non-functional
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No traffic personnel in sight
It’s like trying to pour an ocean through a straw.
🚧 Roundabout Developments at Ashok Square
A unique circular landing is being built here, connecting:
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Baidyanath Square
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Medical Square
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Jagnade Square
Great idea on paper, but implementation amid active traffic has only amplified confusion.
🏗️ Bhande Plot to Dighori Naka: A 2 KM Headache
Under-Construction Stretch
From Bhande Plot Square to Dighori Naka, pillars are being raised and girders are underway. But traffic? Still bumper-to-bumper.
🧩 Dighori Naka’s Dual Flyover Dilemma
A Flyover Above a Flyover
Yes, you read that right. The new flyover will literally pass over the existing one at Dighori Naka—an engineering feat, no doubt.
Status Report
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Pillars = Done
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Girder installation = Ongoing
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Smooth traffic = Still a dream
🌆 Citywide Ripple Effects of the Project
Good News for the Future
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Drastically cut commute times
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Decongest major intersections
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Modernize city infrastructure
Bad News for the Present
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Extended travel hours
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Rising commuter stress
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Higher fuel bills
📅 Timeline & Deadlines
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Demolition Started: April 16, 2025
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Estimated Demolition Duration: 1.5 months
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Official Completion Deadline: June 2026
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Current Status: On track, but with hurdles
👷 Engineering Highlights of the Flyover
Bridge Lengths & Features
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Main Overbridge: 4 KM
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Ashok Square Roundabout: 3-directional landing
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Bhande-Dighori Flyover: 2 KM
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Flyover Above Flyover: Dighori Naka’s marvel
💥 What’s Making It Worse Right Now
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No signal management
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Zero traffic cops
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Makeshift detours
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Railway delays
In short, it’s not just the roads that are gridlocked—it’s the whole system.
📣 What Can Be Done Right Now?
Suggestions for Immediate Relief
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Deploy traffic police at choke points
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Synchronize rail crossings to reduce wait time
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Improve signage for detours
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Fix traffic lights
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Public awareness campaigns to manage expectations
🤝 Let’s Look Ahead: Why It’s All Worth It
Yes, it’s a mess. But like all things under construction, the promise lies at the end.
Nagpur’s transport network is being reinvented, and the Indora-Dighori flyover could become the artery that pumps life into a gridlocked system. Until then, patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s survival.
The Indora-Dighori flyover project stands as both a beacon of hope and a source of current hardship. While we grapple with the chaos on the ground, we must also look ahead to the efficiency and ease this ₹998 crore venture promises. For a city aiming to leap into the future, a few bumps—though painful—might just be the price of progress.
1. When is the Indora-Dighori flyover expected to be completed?
The official deadline for completion is June 2026.
2. Why was the old Panchpaoli bridge demolished?
It became structurally insufficient and unable to handle modern traffic loads.
3. How will the new flyover benefit Nagpur commuters?
It will drastically reduce travel time from Indora to Dighori, from almost 1 hour to just 15 minutes.
4. What’s causing the most disruption during construction?
The blocked flyover, diverted traffic through narrow service lanes, and railway crossings are the primary culprits.
5. Are there any unique features in the new flyover?
Yes, including a flyover above an existing flyover at Dighori Naka and a three-directional roundabout at Ashok Square.