For the families living in the Swagat Nagar layout of New Mankapur, Nagpur, the simple act of returning home has turned into a perilous daily challenge. Their only access route consists of a series of narrow, decaying bridges built over a tributary of the Pili River, structures that are deteriorating rapidly with no basic safety measures in sight.
A Daily Gamble With Safety
These bridges serve as a crucial lifeline for pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, schoolchildren, and senior citizens. However, years of neglect are visibly evident. The surfaces have worn down, creating uneven patches, exposed concrete, and loose material that makes crossing risky even in broad daylight. The most alarming feature is the complete absence of protective railings on one side of the bridges. This lack of a barrier leaves commuters extremely vulnerable, where a single misstep or momentary loss of balance could lead to a dangerous fall into the drain below.
Resident Karishma Waikar highlighted the dire situation, stating, "This is the only access route we have," while pointing to one of the broken bridges. The danger escalates after sunset due to poor lighting in the area, making it difficult to judge the edge of the bridge. During heavy monsoon showers, the water flow in the drain rises significantly, increasing the risk of severe injury or worse.
Children and Elderly at Highest Risk
Local parents live in constant fear for their children's safety. Many children use the bridges on bicycles or on foot to get to school. Near-misses are reported to be common, particularly involving the young and the elderly. Two-wheeler riders are forced to slow down to a crawl while crossing, causing congestion and further raising the risk of accidents.
"These kids play and cycle over the bridge sometimes after school, and a tragedy is just one misstep away," said concerned parent Rashmi Deotale. The community alleges that even temporary safety fixes, such as warning signboards or basic barricades, have not been provided by the authorities, leaving the bridges in a perpetually precarious state.
Calls for Basic Design and Timely Maintenance
Locals argue that such small but vital bridges often escape the attention of civic authorities, despite being essential for daily connectivity. Mohd Adnan, a local techie, pointed out a fundamental flaw, saying, "The absence of railings is a basic design and safety failure. Even a low-height protective barrier can significantly reduce accident risks." He emphasized that timely maintenance could prevent avoidable mishaps in the neighborhood.
Despite the clear and present danger, attempts to get a response from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) officials regarding this pressing issue have so far been unsuccessful. The residents of Swagat Nagar continue their daily gamble, hoping for action before a major tragedy strikes.
