Nagpur’s ambitious Phase IV cement road project, a vital ₹260-crore urban infrastructure initiative, has once again failed to meet its deadline, with the civic authority extending the construction timeline till December 2025. Originally slated for completion by May this year, the delay has triggered concern among commuters and planners alike, especially as the city grapples with intense monsoon disruptions.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Public Works Department (PWD) has reportedly approved time extensions for Packages 1, 2, and 4 of the project, being executed across several arterial routes that span key residential and commercial zones in the city. These packages cover stretches across Laxmi Nagar, Dharampeth, Mangalwari, Nehru Nagar, Ashi Nagar, Dhantoli, and Lakadganj—neighbourhoods that witness heavy traffic volumes daily. The project was envisioned to convert 33 major roads—each ranging from 9 to 24 metres in width—from traditional bitumen surfaces to long-lasting cemented corridors. This transformation is aimed at reducing long-term maintenance costs, improving road quality, and enhancing flood resistance in the face of recurring urban deluges. However, the execution has been marred by persistent lapses and missed targets.
The list of incomplete stretches includes prominent routes such as Central Jail Road, Chhatrapati Square to Besa, Ajni to Sita Nagar, and Manish Nagar to Laxmi Nagar—segments that are crucial for daily commuters, emergency services, and public transport. Contractors assigned to execute these packages have been granted additional time after failing to meet the earlier deadline, with civic officials citing poor work pace and site readiness issues. Among those receiving the extension are firms handling Packages 1, 2, and 4, while the contractor overseeing Package 9 in Dhantoli has also sought additional time, attributing delays to logistical bottlenecks and seasonal challenges.
Officials from the NMC acknowledge that the pace of work has been well below expectations. “The situation has worsened due to the monsoon. Incomplete stretches have become muddy and slippery, forcing motorists to take unsafe detours,” said a senior civic official. The fallout has been particularly severe in densely populated neighbourhoods where alternate routes are limited and traffic congestion is common. On-ground feedback from residents and mobility experts reveals growing frustration over the civic body’s inability to hold contractors accountable. The delay, some say, is symptomatic of deeper flaws in project planning, contractor evaluation, and real-time supervision. Despite claims of strict monitoring protocols and phased funding disbursals, the execution remains far from satisfactory.
The impact of these delays extends beyond traffic snarls and inconvenience. Poor road conditions during the monsoon have led to a spike in minor accidents, especially on dimly lit diversions and unbarricaded construction zones. For elderly pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, and those relying on last-mile connectivity, the risks have multiplied. From a policy standpoint, the sluggish implementation of Phase IV contrasts starkly with the earlier phases of the cement road initiative. Between Phases I and III, Nagpur reportedly upgraded over 690 km of roads—an effort lauded as a national model for cement road infrastructure. However, the momentum appears to have waned, with questions now being raised about whether the current phase will replicate that earlier success.
Infrastructure experts believe the lack of a robust contractor performance audit and absence of public disclosure of project timelines have contributed to the current situation. “When project transparency is low, delays become inevitable. Citizens must have access to real-time progress reports,” a retired urban planner said. Environmentally, cement roads are touted for their longevity and lower carbon footprint over time, reducing the frequency of resurfacing operations that contribute to construction waste and emissions. Yet, this green promise only holds if the roads are completed on time and constructed using sustainable practices—parameters currently under scrutiny.
The situation also raises critical equity concerns. Residents in less affluent localities report slower progress compared to high-profile areas, suggesting an uneven allocation of resources and effort. This discrepancy undermines the objective of creating inclusive, livable, and safe urban environments for all. In recent years, Nagpur has been positioning itself as a model smart city, with investments in metro rail, integrated traffic management, and civic digitalisation. However, the recurring failure to complete large-scale ground infrastructure projects in a timely and efficient manner calls this image into question.
Civic officials argue that externalities such as material shortages, delayed payments, and adverse weather have played a role. “These are high-capex, high-impact works. Delays are costly, and we are working closely with contractors to expedite delivery,” one official said. However, critics argue that these factors were well within the realm of pre-project risk forecasting and should have been planned for. While revised deadlines offer a window of reprieve for contractors, they do little to restore public confidence unless matched by visible, consistent progress on-site. NMC must now consider linking payments more closely to physical milestones, implementing real-time public dashboards, and re-evaluating contractors with chronic delays.
More broadly, the recurring issues in cement road construction point to a governance gap in municipal infrastructure delivery. As India’s cities grapple with rapid urbanisation and climate vulnerability, delayed infrastructure projects cost more than just money—they erode trust, compromise safety, and stall progress toward sustainable urban development. Nagpur’s future as a liveable, eco-conscious city hinges not only on its infrastructure ambitions but on the institutions’ ability to deliver on promises. Whether the cement roads of Phase IV become a symbol of resilience or red tape remains to be seen. For now, residents are left negotiating potholes and detours, hoping that this extension will be the last.
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