Nagpur Faces Major Traffic Headaches Before Crucial Cricket Match
Nagpur residents and cricket fans are bracing for severe traffic congestion on Wardha Road. Multiple ongoing infrastructure projects on the busy National Highway-44 are causing major concerns. The India-New Zealand T-20 International match at Jamtha stadium on January 21 is approaching quickly. Teams will arrive in the city on January 19. Ticket sales open on January 17.
Recurring Problem During International Matches
Traffic congestion has become a recurring issue during international cricket matches in Nagpur. Thousands of fans often find themselves stuck in hours-long traffic jams after leaving the stadium. This happens despite elaborate arrangements by city traffic police and other agencies. February last year provided the only instance when fans returned home without major delays. This time presents a tougher challenge for traffic authorities.
Infrastructure Works Create Major Bottlenecks
Several infrastructure projects are underway simultaneously on Wardha Road. The ongoing construction of the 619-crore Chinchbhavan to Mihan Interchange flyover creates a major bottleneck. The national highway division of the public works department installed barricades in the middle of the road. These barricades narrowed the carriageway to a single lane on both sides.
This stretch remains crucial for most cricket fans traveling from Nagpur to Jamtha stadium. The reduced road width already causes frequent traffic snarls. Rampant wrong-side driving and heavy vehicular movement worsen the situation daily.
Official Statements and Planned Measures
A senior PWD official spoke to TOI about the situation. The official stated that barricading was restricted to a limited stretch. Authorities kept the international match in mind while planning. "We took multiple measures including keeping barricades to a bare minimum" the official explained. "We also ensured smooth movement from service roads. The work will not affect traffic movement."
Traffic woes are also expected for fans arriving from Wardha, Chandrapur and other areas via Butibori. MahaMetro's ongoing work reduced the highway width between Jamtha and Butibori.
A senior traffic official revealed several steps being planned to prevent congestion. "We are giving a diversion from the outer ring road via National Cancer Institute cutting to Jamtha stadium" the official said. "Some problems would be faced by fans coming from Wardha, but we will ensure the traffic issue does not escalate." The official added that most spectators would come from Nagpur itself.
Public Transport Recommendations and Restrictions
The traffic official strongly urged cricket fans to choose Metro and public transport options. "We are also planning to restrict heavy vehicle movement from Butibori" the official confirmed. This restriction aims to avoid inconvenience on match day. The combined efforts seek to manage what promises to be a challenging traffic situation.
Nagpur's traffic department faces a significant test. They must balance ongoing infrastructure development with the needs of thousands of cricket enthusiasts. The coming days will reveal how effectively they manage these competing demands.
