Private Buses Return to Nagpur Streets, Defying Traffic Ban and Worsening Congestion
The persistent problem of private buses has resurfaced on Nagpur's roads, with operators blatantly ignoring the pick-up and drop prohibition enforced by traffic authorities last year. Both long-distance and short-distance private buses have recommenced their activities at previously banned locations and even expanded to new spots, exacerbating traffic gridlock across major arterial routes despite ongoing police interventions.
Widespread Violations Observed at Key Locations
A recent inspection of several former pick-up and drop zones revealed extensive queues of private buses lined up to board passengers. Significant infractions were documented at prominent intersections including Chhatrapati Square, Kriplani Square, Amravati Road, and Central Avenue. Additionally, traffic disturbances were noted near designated parking areas at Ganeshpeth and along Tekdi Road, where frequent bus movements severely hampered vehicular flow.
Long-Distance Buses Aggravate Traffic Snarls
Long-distance private buses were also observed operating from locations such as Somalwada and Ujjwal Nagar on Wardha Road, where they made prolonged stops to collect passengers arriving via different vehicles, further contributing to traffic bottlenecks. These extended halts, particularly during peak commuting hours, created substantial inconvenience for daily travelers navigating the city's roadways.
Enforcement Challenges and Transport Sector Dynamics
Despite these visible violations, enforcement measures appear to have relaxed recently. Sources within the transport industry indicate that operators may have been granted some operational leeway, enabling them to gradually reclaim their former service points. This development has raised alarm among motorists who dread a return to the pre-ban chaos that previously plagued Nagpur's transportation network.
Official Response and Ongoing Police Action
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani confirmed to media that enforcement against violators continues actively. "The primary concern involves short-distance buses, and we are persistently taking action against them," stated the official. He emphasized that regular drives are being conducted to suppress illegal pick-up and drop activities within city limits, while alternative solutions are simultaneously being explored to address the underlying issues.
Search for Sustainable Solutions
Concurrently, efforts are progressing to establish a lasting resolution by allocating designated parking spaces for long-distance private buses. "Negotiations are advancing to provide specified parking zones for long-distance buses at Sitabuldi and in Central Nagpur," revealed informed sources, highlighting potential structural improvements to the city's transport management system.
Mixed Reactions from Commuters and Travelers
The tempered enforcement has elicited varied responses from passengers. While increased traffic congestion has frustrated many residents, numerous travelers appreciate the restored convenience of accessing buses nearer to residential and commercial areas. Thousands of short-distance commuters journey daily between Nagpur and neighboring districts including:
- Wardha
- Yavatmal
- Hinganghat
- Chandrapur
- Bhandara
- Gondia
The resurgence of buses at familiar locations has alleviated their last-mile travel challenges, demonstrating the complex balance between traffic regulation and passenger accessibility.
Historical Context of the Traffic Ban
The traffic police instituted the ban on private bus pick-up and drop services within the Inner Ring Road in August of the previous year. Initial stringent enforcement had successfully diminished congestion attributed to private buses on principal city thoroughfares, showcasing the potential effectiveness of coordinated regulatory measures when consistently applied.
