The long-awaited construction of a major flyover in Nagpur has finally kicked off, bringing with it the promised relief for the future and immediate traffic headaches for the present. The National Highway division of the state Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated the foundation work for the ambitious ₹619-crore Chinchbhuvan–Mihan Interchange flyover project on the busy Wardha Road.
Construction Begins, Traffic Chaos Follows
However, the start of this crucial infrastructure project has led to significant disruption for daily commuters. To facilitate the construction, the PWD has barricaded a stretch of approximately 150 metres on the Nagpur–Hyderabad National Highway (NH 44) at the site. This closure has severely restricted traffic movement, creating a major bottleneck that has become a nightmare for thousands, especially during peak hours. The barricaded section has effectively reduced the road width to a single lane on both sides.
PWD Executive Engineer Sanjeev Jagtap confirmed to the media that the work on foundations and piers has commenced near the MIHAN Interchange side. He explained that the construction will progress towards Chinchbhuvan in a phased manner to minimize traffic disruption. Jagtap assured that ensuring smooth traffic flow remains the department's top priority.
Planned Measures and Project Scope
To alleviate the current congestion, the PWD is planning several immediate measures. "We are also planning several measures, including the removal of side dividers, so that vehicles can use the service roads. Before that, we will repair the service road. This will help remove the bottleneck," Jagtap stated. He also mentioned that sewerage line work is being carried out concurrently with the flyover construction.
The project, awarded to a Bhopal-based company for ₹332 crore, is a comprehensive one. It involves building a 2.69-kilometre-long six-lane flyover along with two service roads. The elevated structure will start after the existing Chinchbhuvan flyover and land before the Mihan Interchange. Vehicles heading towards Mihan will need to take a left turn after descending from the new flyover.
Widening and Revamping Existing Roads
An integral part of the project is the complete revamp of the existing 2.69-km four-lane road beneath the flyover. Furthermore, in a coordinated effort, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will widen a 3.05-km stretch of NH 44 beyond the proposed flyover near the Mihan Interchange to six lanes.
The project's scope also includes the construction of five culverts and one toll plaza. Once completed by the November 2027 deadline, the entire infrastructure is expected to drastically reduce accidents at this notorious black spot and ease the chronic traffic congestion that plagues Wardha Road, ensuring smoother movement for all.
