Despite commuters struggling with daily traffic chaos at Munje Square, Sitabuldi, Enforcement Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Sitabuldi Traffic Police Zone continue to ignore rampant encroachments on footpaths and haphazard parking. Over the years, the junction has witnessed a steady rise in traffic, but little has been done to regulate the encroachment that severely disrupts both pedestrians and commuters. ‘The Hitavada’ had earlier reported on unchecked encroachments and traffic congestion at Munje Square in March 2024, but no action has been taken till date, and the ground situation consequently remains unchanged.

 

Food vendors and auto-rickshaws have encroached upon almost all adjoining roads, adding to the already congested roads. Even pedestrians have no place to walk safely and are stuck navigating between moving traffic and parked autos, that put them at risk. Shopkeepers have further narrowed pedestrian space by extending displays onto public walkways, especially on the side leading towards Anand Talkies. The absence of action by the NMC’s Enforcement Department has emboldened encroachers, with no visible measures taken to reclaim footpaths meant for public use. Citizens working in the vicinity are also affected by the disorder.

 

“I have to travel here every day for work, and it is always so noisy and chaotic. There is no place to walk, let alone drive. The customers that come to the food carts litter so much, and the area is always dirty.” said a passer-by. The situation remains the same in the main Sitabuldi market, where the narrow lanes are also choked due to the haphazard parking of vehicles. There is virtually no space to travel through the lanes, and they are subject to frequent traffic jams, heightening frustration in commuters and locals alike. With encroachments and traffic mismanagement continuing unchecked, citizens are questioning the accountability of both the civic body and the traffic police. As congestion worsens by the day, commuters are left waiting for decisive action to restore order and ensure safe passage through Munje Square.