Residents of Nagpur can finally breathe a sigh of relief as a permanent solution is underway for the chronic waterlogging problem at the Narendra Nagar Railway Underpass (RuB). After inconveniencing commuters for over a decade, the notorious flooding spot is set for a major transformation thanks to a Rs 9 crore project initiated by the World Bank division of the Public Works Department (PWD).
A Decade of Inconvenience and Health Hazards
The Narendra Nagar underpass, a crucial traffic link in south Nagpur, has earned a bad reputation for getting completely submerged multiple times every year, especially during the monsoon season. This frequent flooding caused massive traffic snarls, forcing thousands of commuters to take long, frustrating detours. The situation was often worsened by sewage water from choked lines entering the underpass, creating serious safety and health risks for the public.
Officials pointed out that the existing pumping system at the site was utterly inadequate to handle the heavy inflow of water during intense rains. This failure in infrastructure led to the recurring nightmare for Nagpur's citizens.
The Road to a Permanent Fix: New Pumps and Timelines
To execute the long-awaited solution, the PWD has temporarily closed the Narendra Nagar-Chhatrapati Nagar square side of the underpass. Currently, the opposite carriageway is managing two-way traffic, which is causing congestion during peak hours. However, authorities assure that this pain is for short-term gain.
A senior PWD official stated, "We have permission to close this side for 15 days, but we are targeting completion within 7 days to reopen it ASAP." The official outlined the full project schedule, noting that the other side of the underpass might need closure around mid-March 2025. The ambitious goal is to wrap up the entire project by the end of March 2026.
Technical Overhaul and Future Maintenance
The core of the new project involves a complete technical overhaul. The old, inefficient pumps are being replaced with a robust new system. Two high-capacity pumps of 40 horsepower each will be installed, along with an integrated pump-and-sump arrangement.
"The current pumps cannot drain water quickly enough," the official explained. "The new system will efficiently collect and pump out water directly into the nearby nullah, preventing any accumulation in the underpass." The project also includes improvements to the surrounding sewage infrastructure to tackle the root cause of the problem.
Once the project is completed and passes the defect liability period, it will be handed over to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for regular operation and maintenance. For Nagpur's daily commuters, the end of a long-standing civic ordeal is now firmly in sight.
