In a glaring lapse of public safety, the newly-constructed Shrikant Jichkar flyover, commonly known as the RTO flyover near Futala Square in Nagpur, has become an unauthorized and dangerous kite-flying zone. This activity poses a severe threat to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians on the busy service road below, especially from the sharp and potentially deadly nylon manja strings.
Daily Hazard on the Flyover
Despite authorities imposing routine restrictions and even shutting flyovers during the Sankranti festival to prevent such dangers, a perilous scene unfolds almost every evening on this flyover. Children from a nearby slum have been regularly seen flying kites while standing on the flyover structure itself. The activity continues till sunset, with little to no monitoring.
The immediate consequence is the repeated falling of used kite strings, or manja, onto the service lane below. Strands of the sharp nylon manja were observed dangling mid-air, drifting across lanes, and settling on the road, creating an invisible web of danger for anyone passing through.
Close Calls and Actual Injuries
The situation has led to several alarming incidents. TOI reported children running across the carriageway with kites in hand as vehicles sped past. When kites snap mid-flight, long lengths of manja flutter down directly into the path of moving traffic.
Commuters have been forced to brake abruptly or swerve to avoid the strings. The risk materialized into injury when one commuter sustained a cut on his finger after coming into contact with manja dangling from the flyover wires. The hazard is not limited to those below; manja strewn across the flyover itself risks entangling bike riders, pillion riders, and the children flying the kites.
Authorities Acknowledge Major Safety Lapse
Residents and daily commuters have expressed deep concern over the lack of surveillance at the recently opened infrastructure. "Flyovers are usually sealed during Sankranti for this very reason. Allowing children to run freely here is extremely risky," stated a regular user of the route.
When contacted, a senior official from the national highway division of the Public Works Department (PWD) acknowledged the gravity of the issue. "This is a serious security concern. Flying kites from a flyover is extremely dangerous — for motorists below as well as for the children themselves," the official told TOI. He termed the situation a major safety lapse.
The PWD official assured that instructions would be issued immediately to deploy security guards at the flyover to maintain a strict watch and prevent such incidents. "We will ensure that this does not happen again," the official added, promising corrective action to secure the area.
