A newly-unveiled tourist attraction in the Nagpur district, the ‘Sky Gallery’ built atop the bridge over the Wainganga river at Ambhora, is rapidly gaining popularity but is simultaneously drawing criticism due to a glaring lack of basic visitor amenities. Opened in 2024, the gallery, designed to boost regional tourism, is now becoming a source of frustration for the thousands who flock to it weekly. Ambhora has always been a significant pilgrimage site, with the revered Kalyaneshwar Temple attracting devotees from across the region.

 

The recent construction of a bridge over the Wainganga river was a welcome development, providing a crucial direct road link for worshippers from the neighbouring Bhandara district who previously relied on precarious ‘dinghies’. To further enhance the area’s appeal, the State Government inaugurated the ‘Sky Gallery’ on the bridge, which, along with its captivating night-time illumination, has proven to be a significant draw for tourists from nearby districts. Local estimates suggest approximately 5,000 visitors now frequent the bridge every week, with a staggering 80 per cent visiting on weekends, a number that dramatically escalates during holidays. Yet, the essential infrastructure to support this influx is conspicuously absent. The most pressing concern is the complete lack of dedicated parking facilities. The gallery’s entrance, located in pillars at the bridge’s centre, is approximately 300 metres from either end, accessible via elevators and staircases. In the absence of proper parking, a common sight is vehicles haphazardly parked directly on the bridge. This practice effectively blocks one lane of traffic, reducing the two-way bridge to a single operational lane. Furthermore, the remaining lane is frequently obstructed by pedestrians navigating their way from their parked vehicles to the central gallery entrance, creating a chaotic and hazardous environment for both motorists and visitors. Adding to the woes is a poorly conceived ticketing system.

 

While entry to the gallery costs Rs 50 per person for a 15-minute slot, the ticket counter is oddly situated on the first floor, directly opposite the lift to the gallery. On weekends, this creates a dangerous bottleneck, as visitors waiting for the lift and those attempting to purchase tickets are funnelled into a narrow space, raising serious concerns about potential stampedes. Moreover, the queueing area lacks any form of shelter from the elements, leaving visitors exposed to scorching sun or sudden heavy downpours, which could easily trigger panic amongst waiting crowds. Speaking on condition of anonymity, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) confirmed that a tender for developmental work at the site had been floated but is currently stalled due to an ongoing court case. With the Sky Gallery’s popularity showing no signs of waning, the urgent provision of essential amenities is paramount to ensure the safety and satisfaction of its ever-growing number of visitors.