Nagpur, a city steadily embracing modernisation, is embarking on a significant infrastructure overhaul with the impending demolition of its first-ever flyover in Panchpaoli.
This structure, a landmark of over three decades, is slated to be dismantled starting this Saturday night to pave the way for a considerably larger and more efficient bridge. The ambitious project aims to seamlessly connect the bustling Kamal Chowk with the expanding Dighori area, promising a substantial reduction in travel time for commuters. The scale of the demolition operation is evident with the arrival of heavy machinery at the site. Authorities anticipate that the complete removal of the old flyover, which spanned a kilometre with a width of 6.5 metres, will take approximately 25 days. In its place will rise a new flyover stretching an impressive 9 kilometres with a width of 11 metres, positioning it as the longest such structure within the city. Constructed between 1992 and 1994, the original Panchpaoli flyover was a crucial intervention to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion at railway gates number 571 and 572 on the vital Nagpur–Howrah railway line. Over the years, however, the bridge’s structural integrity has gradually weakened, necessitating its removal to facilitate the construction of a modern, high-capacity alternative.
The impact of this new infrastructure on daily commutes is projected to be transformative. Currently, traversing the distance between Kamal Chowk and Dighori can be a time-consuming affair, often stretching beyond 30 minutes, particularly during peak hours. The completion of the new flyover is expected to slash this travel time dramatically, bringing it down to a mere 10 minutes, significantly enhancing connectivity and easing traffic flow in this crucial corridor. A meticulously planned strategy is in place for the section of the new bridge that will span across the railway tracks. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is collaborating closely with the railway department to implement brief, strategically timed halts in train operations to ensure the safe and efficient construction of this critical segment. A heavy-duty 700-tonne crane will be deployed to support the bridge structure while specialised diamond cutters will be used to segment the old flyover into manageable pieces for safe removal. Residents in the Panchpaoli area should anticipate some noise disruption during these specific demolition activities.
Nagpur has a precedent for proactively replacing outdated infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its growing urban landscape. The city previously witnessed the dismantling of the British-era bridge connecting Central Avenue and Kingsway to make way for the iconic Ramjhula bridge. Similarly, the Chhatrapati flyover on Wardha Road was decommissioned to facilitate the construction of a modern double-decker flyover extending from Ajni to the airport. Following the Panchpaoli project, the old bridge at Ajni railway station is also slated for removal to pave the way for a new cable-stayed bridge, indicating a sustained focus on upgrading the city’s transportation network. To mitigate inconvenience during the construction phase of the new Panchpaoli flyover, temporary traffic management measures will be implemented. Until the new bridge is operational, vehicles will be permitted to use the two existing railway gates near Golibar Square. While some service roads may face temporary closures, diversions will be strategically put in place to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, minimising disruption to daily commutes.
The demolition of Nagpur’s first flyover is not merely an act of dismantling an old structure; it signifies the city’s commitment to progress and its proactive approach to building a more efficient and interconnected urban environment. The upcoming, significantly larger bridge promises to be a vital artery, fostering economic activity, reducing commute times, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Nagpur’s residents as it continues its journey towards becoming a more sustainable and equitable city.
Old Nagpur Landmark Down for Mega Bridge
