After carving a place in the record books with some of the country’s longest multi-level flyovers, Nagpur is now set to add another engineering speciality to its urban landscape. The city will soon witness a rare ‘Square above Square’ configuration at Jagnade Square, where two elevated corridors being constructed by Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail) will intersect above the existing junction. What makes the project unusual is that the elevated intersection will be controlled by traffic signals. Instead of a rotary or fully grade-separated movement, motorists travelling on the flyover will have to negotiate a signalised junction in the middle of the elevated structure, a feature that is rarely seen and could be among the first such arrangement in Maharashtra. According to MahaRail officials, a dedicated free-left lane will allow uninterrupted left turns through a channelising island. However, vehicles moving straight or turning right will be regulated through traffic signals. The ambitious project consists of two flyover arms, a 1.601-km corridor from Reshimbag Square to KDK College; and a 1.640-km corridor from Telephone Exchange Square to Bhande Plot. Together, the structure will stretch 3.241 km with an 11-metre-wide carriageway. Officials said the design eliminates interference from minor junctions along both the corridors. Traffic moving from Reshimbag towards KDK College and from Telephone Exchange towards Bhande Plot will enjoy uninterrupted elevated travel until reaching the central intersection.

 

 

The signal atop the flyover is already generating discussion among commuters and traffic observers. Flyovers aim to minimise delay caused due to intersections and traffic signals. At Jagnade Square, however, motorists may still encounter red lights despite travelling on an elevated corridor. Questions are also being raised about whether queues of vehicles could build up on the flyover during peak hours. The concern becomes more significant given the strategic importance of the junction, which connects densely populated areas such as Reshimbag, Bhande Plot, KDK College, Telephone Exchange and surrounding localities. Any delay at the signalised intersection could potentially result in vehicle stacking on the flyover, especially during office hours and festive seasons when traffic volumes surge. MahaRail officials, however, maintain that the design has been optimised to minimise delays. With only one signalised junction and no intermediate interruptions, signal cycle utilisation is expected to be more efficient than on conventional urban roads. Work on the project commenced on February 14, 2024. Initially, estimated at Rs 250.79 crore with a completion target of June 28, 2025, the project has since undergone revision. The cost has risen to Rs 441.82 crore and the revised completion deadline has been fixed to December 31, 2026.