Nagpur DCP Proposes Temporary Road to Alleviate Ajni Bridge Traffic Chaos
In a proactive move to prevent further traffic disruptions near the Ajni bridge, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani has suggested the construction of a small temporary connecting road before the start of the underpass project. This recommendation comes in response to severe congestion witnessed in the area on Thursday, which was caused by partial road closures and diversions.
Site Inspection and Immediate Solutions
On Friday, DCP Matani, accompanied by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), visited the proposed underpass site to assess the situation and identify immediate solutions. During the inspection, Matani recommended building a temporary road that would link the divider cutting on the Kriplani stretch with the newly built bypass currently being utilized by motorists.
Matani emphasized the urgency of this measure, stating to TOI, "I asked the officials not to commence underpass work until the new temporary road is constructed. This road will enable motorists coming from Ajni bridge or FCI, who intend to go towards Congress Nagar, to access the newly constructed bypass directly, rather than having to travel all the way to Kriplani square."
Current Traffic Adjustments and Future Plans
Following the visit, authorities have temporarily opened a divider cutting on the Kriplani stretch and allowed vehicles to use the barricaded road, as groundwork has been halted for now. However, officials have clarified that to initiate actual underpass construction, movement on the barricaded stretch will eventually need to be stopped.
PWD officials have confirmed that the proposal for the temporary road is under active consideration. PWD engineer Prashant Shankarpure explained to TOI that Matani's suggestion involves a temporary road connecting to the newly built road, which serves as a bypass towards Congress Nagar.
Shankarpure noted, "We will cut the median to build this road. However, since it will connect to the bypass, we must take extra precautions to prevent potential accidents. We are carefully considering every detail before making a decision, as this is a critical project."
Expected Benefits for Commuters
The proposed temporary link road is anticipated to provide significant relief to commuters by reducing the need for a long detour up to Kriplani Square. Currently, motorists traveling from Ajni bridge or FCI towards Congress Nagar are using the barricaded road, which will need to be closed once underpass construction begins.
This initiative aims to mitigate traffic chaos and improve flow in the area, ensuring smoother transitions during the upcoming infrastructure project.
