The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has made notable strides in road safety, repairing over 4,300 potholes and upgrading six major roads between July 8 and October 28. The project also involved renovating four key city squares to improve safety and reduce traffic-related accidents. However, despite this progress, the city faces significant challenges due to delays in cement concretisation work on several major roads.
While the temporary patchwork repairs have provided short-term relief, they have struggled to withstand Nagpur’s monsoon rains, leading to recurring potholes and an increase in minor accidents. Residents from Palloti Nagar have expressed frustration over these delays, highlighting the risks posed by the “temporary fixes” that fail to endure. “The patchwork repairs don’t last long, especially with the rains,” he said, noting the safety hazards, particularly at night. NMC’s efforts have focused on addressing the most neglected roads, including those around the Manish Nagar flyover, Sitabuldi parking plaza, and the Nari Ghat and Nawabpura roads. The corporation has also worked to rectify “saucer-shaped” depressions at junctions that were previously overlooked, which had become a common cause of accidents.
While the NMC has tackled potholes across ten zones, with Dharampeth topping the list at 805 repairs, many roads remain in need of permanent solutions. The lack of durable, long-lasting fixes continues to contribute to the city’s traffic woes and safety risks. From a sustainability perspective, the failure to implement robust, lasting repairs is hindering Nagpur’s ability to create a safer, eco-friendly urban environment. Well-maintained roads are essential for reducing emissions, improving safety, and enhancing overall traffic flow. The people of Nagpur are eager for long-term solutions that will stand the test of time—and the elements.