High Court Intervenes: VNIT Opens Road for 2-Wheelers
Citizens can breathe a sigh of relief as the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) has agreed to temporarily open its 1.2 km road, allowing exclusive access for two-wheelers through its campus. This decision follows weeks of legal battles and community outcry over restricted access due to ongoing construction near the Ambazari dam. The initiative was led by Divisional Commissioner Vijaylaxmi Bidari and Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Singal.
The Issue at Hand
Community Outcry and Legal Battles
The local community expressed significant frustration and inconvenience due to the restricted access caused by the construction near the Ambazari dam. The situation led to a legal standoff, compelling the authorities to find a swift resolution.
Role of the High Court
Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Abhay Mantri of the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court took a firm stance. They instructed the State Government and district administration to exercise their discretionary powers to address the issue.
Meeting and Negotiations
Key Figures in the Decision
Divisional Commissioner Vijaylaxmi Bidari and Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Singal spearheaded the negotiations with VNIT officials. During the meeting, Dr. Singal highlighted the public’s challenges due to the ongoing construction.
VNIT’s Initial Hesitation
VNIT officials were initially reluctant to open the road, citing the internal roads’ unsuitability for heavy traffic. However, the High Court’s intervention expedited their compliance.
Execution of the Decision
Preparations and Timeline
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic Shashikant Satav informed that it would take a minimum of three days to operationalize the road fully. The process involves demolishing a portion of VNIT’s compound wall near the Indian Oil petrol pump (Ambazari police chowki) to facilitate vehicle entry.
Traffic Management Measures
DCP Satav assured proactive traffic management measures. Barricades and plastic cones will be deployed at each junction to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety. Traffic movement may be briefly halted during student movements to ensure their safety.
Exclusive Access for Two-Wheelers
Restricted Access
The stretch from the demolished compound wall to Gate No. 3 near LAD College will exclusively accommodate two-wheelers. Four-wheelers will remain prohibited to maintain safety and manage traffic effectively.
Safety Concerns
VNIT’s Associate Dean, Mangesh Madurwar, highlighted that the internal roads are not designed for heavy traffic. The exclusive access for two-wheelers is a temporary measure to alleviate the community’s inconvenience while ensuring the campus’s safety.
Community Response
Relief and Reactions
The decision has been met with relief and appreciation from the local community. The temporary solution has eased the commute for many, reducing the frustration caused by the ongoing construction.
Public Sentiment
The community’s response underscores the importance of accessible routes and effective traffic management, especially during construction projects that disrupt daily life.
The High Court’s intervention and the collaborative efforts of local authorities and VNIT have provided a timely resolution to the access issue. By opening the 1.2 km road exclusively for two-wheelers, the authorities have addressed the community’s concerns while ensuring safety within the VNIT campus.
- Why was the VNIT road closed initially? The VNIT road was closed due to ongoing construction near the Ambazari dam, causing restricted access and inconvenience for the community.
- Who initiated the decision to open the road? The decision was initiated by Divisional Commissioner Vijaylaxmi Bidari and Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Singal, with the High Court’s intervention.
- How long will the road remain open for two-wheelers? The road is temporarily opened for two-wheelers until the construction near the Ambazari dam is completed and normal access is restored.
- What measures are being taken to ensure safety on the opened road? Traffic police will deploy barricades and plastic cones at each junction, and traffic movement may be briefly halted during student movements to ensure safety.
- Why are four-wheelers prohibited on this road? Four-wheelers are prohibited to ensure safety and manage traffic effectively, as the internal roads are not designed for heavy traffic.
