The prolonged delay in completion of the Kalmeshwar flyover on the Nagpur–Katol Road (NH-353J) continues to cause inconvenience to thousands of commuters, with the authorities concerned expecting the work to be completed by December. However, the current pace of work on the ground has raised doubts over whether the deadline can be achieved. The flyover had become the centre of controversy earlier this year after a newly constructed ramp was demolished and rebuilt despite the project being nearly 90 per cent complete. The corrective work was undertaken after it emerged that a portion of the ramp did not conform to prescribed engineering specifications and design norms. The authorities have clarified that the reconstruction is being carried out under the contractor’s defect liability and no additional expenditure is being incurred by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In effect, the contractor has been directed to rectify the defect at its own cost.

 

The flyover forms part of the Rs 1,841-crore Nagpur–Kalmeshwar–Katol four-laning project covering around 48 km and comprising five flyovers and 13 underpasses. Work on the highway expansion began in late 2021 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2023. Nearly three years later, substantial portions of the project remain unfinished. For commuters travelling daily between Nagpur, Kalmeshwar and Katol, the delay has translated into longer travel times, traffic bottlenecks and safety concerns. The situation has drawn repeated criticism from citizens as well as the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, which has questioned the slow progress and unsafe conditions prevailing at several locations along the corridor.

 

The reconstruction of the defective ramp came to light in January this year when motorists noticed demolition activity on a newly built section of the flyover. The absence of any public announcement led to confusion among residents, many of whom believed the structure was nearing completion. While the authorities now claim that the flyover will be ready by December, the present status of work suggests otherwise. Construction of the approach slope on the Nagpur side has only recently begun, while work on the Katol-side slope is yet to commence. Considering the volume of work still pending, completion within the next three months appears ambitious. Until the flyover is finally opened, commuters are likely to continue bearing the burden of a project that has already missed multiple deadlines.