Staff Reporter :

 

Chambers on footpath for every utility network to avoid digging of roads  

 

To put an end to practice of repeated digging of roads by various utility network, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is rolling out Urban Street Network (USN) at cost of Rs 125 crore wherein the footpaths are going to be developed so that pedestrians can have a space of their own. Alongside the planning, NMC is also focusing on integration of underground network beneath the footpaths, be it of water or sewage pipelines, power lines, OFC or storm drain pipes, into a single system. The development of footpath is to ensure a dedicated space for citizens where they can spend a quality time.

 

With fast-paced life a hallmark of urban lifestyle, NMC bosses are of the view that footpaths can play an important part in providing a relaxing space for dwellers. In the first phase, stretch on North Ambazari Road from Ambazari T-point till Jhansi Rani Square is identified for rolling out USN. As per the plan, the adjoining stretches of North Ambazari Road are going to be integrated with identical development pattern, explained Alpana Patne, Executive Engineer, Project-I, NMC. Means, the road form Gandhi Nagar to VNIT Gate, from Shankar Nagar Square to Ram Nagar and Bajaj Nagar Square on either side, towards Kachipura from Alankar Square and so on would also get footpaths, if not available, and existing ones would be repaired and developed to make them livelier. She stated that Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari is of view that footpaths should be without obstructions. Similarly, the footpaths would also have benches and elegant lighting using diffused lights to enliven the evenings. Further, plants and green shades are also planned and special attention is going to be paid to corners at squares where elongated stones and other material would further uplift the mood.

 

As to integration, she said the plan is to provide chamber every 15 to 20 meters on the footpath that would facilitate pulling out cables for repair. Right now, entire footpath is dug up and then restoration is not done evenly and thus funds utilised for its development go to waste. So NMC is keen to provide single throughway or duct for pushing the various pipelines and cables respectively. The chambers would be painted in different colours, dedicated for each of the agency. Later, the footpaths would be covered with CCTVs so as to effectively monitor and ensure that unwanted elements do not pose trouble. She said MSEDCL is being roped in for first time as later the shifting of electricity cables and boxes is a major headache. As of now, NMC is going to appoint Project Management Consultant (PMC) to carry out survey of the identified road stretches. The survey is most critical aspect as it will identify that state of footpath and utilities underneath it. In second phase, roads in Civil Lines are planned to be taken-up under USN. She further added that Commissioner is keen on development of footpaths on Central Avenue, a major stretch with dense population and same would be taken-up in later stage.