The opening of the Indora-Dighori flyover may have eased vehicular congestion between Kamal Square and Dighori, but commuters passing the stretch near Daga Memorial Government Women’s Hospital continue to face a daily ordeal. The situation has, in fact, become worse following changes in the road layout to accommodate the flyover’s down ramps, leaving motorists struggling to negotiate a narrow carriageway. Before construction began, the road between Lal Imali Square and Ganjakhet Square had two-way traffic. However, a portion of the carriageway towards Ganjakhet Square was taken up for constructing the down ramps, leaving limited space for vehicles moving in both directions. The remaining stretch is now expected to accommodate two-way traffic despite its reduced width. The problem is compounded by scaffolding erected around a pillar near Ganjakhet Square, which further narrows the road. With vehicles approaching from opposite directions and little room to manoeuvre, even routine movement becomes difficult, particularly during peak hours.

 

“The road has become a bottleneck, especially when traffic builds up from both directions. There is hardly enough space for vehicles to pass, and even a minor obstruction brings movement to a standstill,” said Dipika Bangde, a regular commuter of the road. Authorities have opened a small road to the left of the ramp from Lalmali Square to ease pressure on the existing carriageway. However, most commuters continue to use the old road, as the alternative route appears too narrow to accommodate traffic comfortably. “The new lane feels too narrow, and it is difficult to judge whether two vehicles can pass comfortably. Most commuters therefore prefer the old road, even though it is already congested,” said Nilesh Meshram, a local resident.

 

The failure to enforce restrictions on vehicles climbing the ramps has further aggravated the situation. Traffic moving up and down the flyover converges with vehicles on the roads at both Lal Imali and Ganjakhet squares, creating bottlenecks at either end of the already constricted stretch. “There is no clear regulation of vehicles using the ramps. Traffic from the flyover and the road below merges at the same points, leaving commuters confused about which way to move. During peak hours, it takes several minutes just to cross this short stretch,” stated Vishal Sonkusare, another commuter. Vehicles and autorickshaws parked in front of shops along the stretch occupy valuable road space, leaving even less room for moving traffic. Motorists are frequently forced to slow down or manoeuvre around parked vehicles, further disrupting the flow.