The much-awaited construction of modified landing for the Sadar flyover project, announced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari last year, has entered its new phase as Maha Metro has proposed aquistion of 3,117 square-meters of land for the project. Maha Metro send the proposal to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for approval. Out of 3,117 square-metres, 2,863 sq m is of Government land, accounting for nearly 92 per cent of the requirement. Only 264 sq m belonging to a petrol pump at RBI Square will be required. Notably, the revised alignment has been prepared in such a manner that no demolition of any existing structure will be required. The proposed flyover extension also measures approximately 850 metres.

 

This project will allow commuters to skip two existing traffic signals from the Sadar side before dispersing towards LIC Square and adjoining roads. Continuous engineering revisions over the past two years, coupled with the extended alignment and associated structural modifications has also substantially increased the project cost. Earlier estimates had placed the cost around Rs 34 crore when the flyover was proposed to land near Kasturchand Park. However, the redesign has pushed the revised estimate to nearly Rs 84 crore. The revised alignment follows months of engineering deliberations involving Maha Metro and consultants after widespread criticism of the original flyover alignment inaugurated in January 2020.

 

The earlier design, which terminated near Kasturchand Park, drew criticism as vehicles descending from the flyover continued encountering congestion instead of dispersing efficiently. Engineers were subsequently tasked with examining alternative alignments capable of improving traffic flow while integrating with the elevated Metro viaduct and preserving the heritage character of the Kasturchand Park precinct. The new design proposes building a new arm towards LIC square to existing flyover that will carry the traffic Sadar side beyond Samvidhan Square near Morris College, instead of near Kasturchand Park as it does now. The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) building structure will remain untouched, with a separate new arm proposed in front of the NIT building. From there, the alignment will connect towards LIC Square in front of Shriram Tower, take a right near LIC Square, pass along Kasturchand Park, cross RBI Square and finally land near Morris College.

 

Traffic planners believe the additional length will prevent vehicles from accumulating immediately after descending from the flyover, allowing smoother distribution towards LIC Square and adjoining road networks. According to project planners, only a limited portion of land inside the Kasturchand Park precinct will be utilised for structural pillars, while the flyover itself will pass overhead with sufficient clearance to preserve movement and public use beneath. “The redesign has specifically been prepared to avoid any adverse impact on the heritage character of the iconic public space,” a senior Maha Metro official asserted. Compared with conventional urban flyover projects that often involve acquisition of commercial establishments and residential properties, the predominance of government land is expected to considerably reduce legal complications and rehabilitation requirements, potentially accelerating implementation once statutory approvals are secured. The project represents engineering solutions that minimise displacement while maximising traffic capacity.