The much-anticipated dismantling of the Pachpaoli Flyover in Nagpur has hit a bureaucratic roadblock. This decades-old structure, set to be replaced by a longer and more efficient flyover under the Indora to Dighori project, is facing significant delays due to pending approvals from key government bodies. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is overseeing the ambitious Rs 998 crore project, is struggling to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the railways, traffic department, and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
The Vision: A Better Connectivity Plan
Why Dismantle the Pachpaoli Flyover?
The existing Pachpaoli Flyover, constructed in the early 1990s, is no longer adequate to handle the growing traffic congestion in the city. The NHAI plans to replace the 1.5 km structure with a 4 km-long new flyover extending from Kamal Chowk to Reshimbagh Square. This new development will ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce commute times across major city junctions.
Key Features of the New Flyover
- Increased Length: Extends from Kamal Chowk to Reshimbagh Square.
- Enhanced Traffic Flow: Passes through congested areas like Golibar Square, Lal Imli Square, Agrasen Square, Gandhi Gate, and Ashok Square.
- Reduction in Commute Time: Travel from Indora to Dighori will be cut from an hour to just 15 minutes.
- Additional Infrastructure: Construction of two Road Under Bridges (RuBs) at level crossings 571 and 572.
Challenges Hindering Progress
Pending Approvals and Bureaucratic Delays
Despite the urgency of the project, bureaucratic hurdles have stalled the dismantling process. The three major approvals required are:
- Railways: Initially agreed to close the level crossing but later demanded safety measures before reopening.
- Traffic Department: Insists on reopening the level crossing first before granting permission.
- Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC): Approval is required due to the presence of street lights in the area.
Complications in Level Crossing Approval
NHAI requested the railway authorities to reopen the closed level crossing, but new demands for height barriers have further delayed the process. Without this, the traffic department refuses to issue their clearance, leading to a deadlock.
Impact on Project Timeline
The extended delay could derail the overall timeline of the Indora to Dighori project. Since December, NHAI has been sending repeated requests to the concerned authorities, but approvals remain pending. Any further delay will push the project completion date beyond expectations, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters.
NHAI’s Strategy to Overcome Hurdles
Use of Advanced Dismantling Technology
To ensure safety and efficiency, NHAI plans to use diamond cutters for precision dismantling. This method will help:
- Minimize dust and debris in the densely populated area.
- Ensure controlled removal of the old structure.
- Transport dismantled pieces to crushing units for recycling.
Collaborations and Negotiations
Officials from NHAI continue to hold discussions with the railway, traffic, and municipal authorities to expedite approvals. Multiple meetings have been conducted, but the wait for the final go-ahead continues.
The Bigger Picture: Indora to Dighori Corridor
The reconstruction of the Pachpaoli Flyover is just one part of the broader Indora to Dighori infrastructure upgrade. The project also includes:
- New Flyover from Bhande Plot to Dighori: Further enhancing traffic movement.
- Road Expansion Plans: Reducing bottlenecks across critical intersections.
- Smart Traffic Management: Implementing modern solutions to manage congestion effectively.
The Pachpaoli Flyover dismantling is crucial for Nagpur’s urban mobility transformation. However, bureaucratic red tape continues to stall progress. As NHAI waits for approvals, commuters bear the brunt of delays. If authorities expedite the clearance process, this infrastructure upgrade will bring significant benefits to the city, reducing congestion and enhancing connectivity.
1. Why is the Pachpaoli Flyover being dismantled?
The existing flyover is outdated and inadequate to handle increasing traffic congestion. It is being replaced with a longer and more efficient structure as part of the Indora to Dighori project.
2. What is causing the delay in dismantling the flyover?
Pending approvals from the railways, traffic department, and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) are stalling the project.
3. What benefits will the new flyover bring?
The new flyover will reduce travel time, ease congestion, and improve road safety. It will also provide better connectivity b
